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PM visits Hunza to assess situation
HUNZA: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani arrived here on a daylong visit to assess the situation caused by land sliding and creation of an artificial lake that threatens downstream areas.The lake was created on January 4 as a huge landslide blocked the flow of Hunza River and carried along with it the Atta Abad village. The artificial lake has stretched to 26 km, submerging a number of low-lying villages, destroying crops and fruit trees.
He was informed that the boat service has been stopped and stranded people would be ferried through helicopters and supplies dropped.
Earlier Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed briefed the prime minister about the situation and measures taken to address any eventuality, soon after his arrival in Gilgit.
According to his estimates water will start flowing over the 24 meter deep and 1300 meter long spillway created by the Frontier Works Organisation by May 25 and said arrangements have been made for 24,000 IDPs.
He said camps have been set up at government schools and arrangements made to provide them food, shelter and medical assistance.
He said those killed in the land sliding have been paid a compensation of Rs 0.5 million each, while Rs 100,000 provided for the injured.
Prime Minister, accompanied by Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Minister for Kashmir Affairs Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo also had an aerial view of the artificial lake and the affected areas.
Courtesy www.Geo.tv