A committee formed by the prime minister to take stock of flood damages said the initial estimates will be finalised in ten days based on “accurate and transparent field reports”.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, while chairing the meeting, stressed the importance of working in coordination with the provinces for a comprehensive assessment. The provincial representatives, however, said a final and accurate assessment would only come once the floodwaters receded, state-run APP reported.
The initial estimates of the flood damage will be finalised within the next ten days, the planning minister said, adding the verified data would be shared soon. Ahsan Iqbal said that like the 2022 floods, a comprehensive post-disaster needs assessment of damage and requirements would be carried out with the participation of international organisations.
In a separate meeting, PM stressed that after the assessment, the government could formulate a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy by effectively carrying out restoration efforts in the affected areas.
Federal and inter-provincial institutions should fully cooperate with each other in assessing these damages, the PM stressed. In addition to the loss of lives and properties, he emphasised that damages to crops and livestock should also be included in the assessment reports.
He suggested that assistance could be taken from the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission for satellite-based assessment, while immediate steps should be taken to protect crops from various diseases after flooding.
He said that special measures should be taken for the cultivation of suitable crops in the flood-affected areas. The prime minister was informed that damage assessment of the sugarcane, cotton and rice crops would be completed in two weeks once the water receded.
