PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Local Government (LG) and Rural Development Sardar Faisal Amin Gandapur on Thursday expressed his deep sense of shock and sorrow over the loss of precious lives and properties due to torrential rains in different parts of the province including Tank, Dera Ismail Khan and other southern districts.

He directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and other rescue teams to reach the affected areas immediately and carry out relief operations to avoid human tragedies. In a statement, he however, clarified that all the concerned rescue and relief agencies have been alerted several days in advance to deal with the flood situation and they have been provided the required funds, equipment and facilities.

Similarly, he said, joint teams of health department, local government departments and local administration have been formed to control any possible spread of epidemic diseases in the affected areas. Sardar Faisal Amin Gandapur warned that no negligence would be tolerated in the rescue operation in any part of the province including the merged districts. He however prayed for the victims of the recent natural calamities and speedy recovery of the injured. He expressed his heartfelt sympathies to all the affected families.