By Imran Nasir 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army rescue and relief efforts continued in the flood-affected areas across the country on Thursday.

In a statement, issued by the ISPR, said 140 helicopter sorties were conducted today in flood hit areas of the country for rescue, relief operations.

“More than 550 stranded individuals evacuated through Army helicopters from various flood affected areas [while]  Army helicopter delivered  29 x tons of ration/ relief items during last 24 hours,” said ISPR.

Pakistan Army distributed 6,140  Ration Packets and 325 tents among flood affectees in different parts of the county during the last 24 hours.

Army has also established medical camps in the affected areas and 5,213 patients have been treated so for in various medical camps.

“224 Relief Items Collection Points are functional in Formations Area of Responsibility for collection and onwards distribution of relief stores,” according to the statement.

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited flood-hit areas of Swat, DI Khan, Rohjan and met with affected people.

In Swat, army chief met with women, children, elders and other people who were rescued by the Army aviation helicopters from Kumrat, Kalam to Kanju. 

“COAS spent time with evacuated people who thanked Pakistan Army for reaching out once they needed it the most and bringing comfort not only to them but their families back home who eagerly awaited their safe return,” said ISPR.

COAS also undertook aerial reconnaissance of the extent of damage caused by floods and relief efforts of Army troops at various locations including Kalam, Bahrain, Khwazakhela and Matta areas of Swat. 

Gen. Bajwa appreciated Peshawar Corps for effective and timely response during crisis and saving precious lives.

During his visit to Rohjan COAS assured flood affectees  that Pakistan Army will help them to overcome their problems in these difficult times and he directed ground troops to take this responsibility as a noble cause and spare no effort to lessen the burden of flood affected brothers and sisters .

He also visited flood affected areas of DI Khan, where interacting with flood victims, COAS consoled them over their loss and lauded the resilience of local residents  in the face of unprecedented natural calamity. 

COAS also directed FC South KP troops to ensure timely assistance and help to brave people of KP in this hour of need.