Addressing the joint session of Parliament on Tuesday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that a breach has been developed in a flood protective embankment as a measure to save Trimmu Headworks and the Jhang city from further destruction. He said that with the cooperation of provincial governments the damage caused by floods can be reduced. He informed that so far 328 people have been killed in floods and rain-related incidents.
Speaking during the joint parliament session held under speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Khwaja Asif said that the Meteorologist Office had predicted below-average monsoon rains in Pakistan, adding that measures must be taken to improve their functioning. On September 5, the water level at Mangla was increased threefold, said Asif. He further said that so far 8 lakh 61 thousand cusec of water has flown through Marala Headworks. In order to reduce the water level at Mangla, on September 9 lakh cusec of water would be released. Seven union councils in Sialkot have been submerged in gushing floodwaters. He said that not only Pakistan but India has been hit by massive floods as well. Gujranwala division is perhaps, the worst-affected area across Punjab, according to Khwaja Asif.
As per official reports till 8th September, 328 people have been killed in floods, 1053 villages have been swept away, standing crops on 3 lakh twenty five thousand acres of land have been inundated and in general four lakh population has become homeless as a result of the floods, told Asif. However, 217 flood relief camps have been set up while 17000 people have been rescued by the Pakistan Army. Moreover, 485 health camps have also been established across Punjab to provide the flood affectees with medical aid.