Pakistani PM visits flood-hit northern district

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Wednesday flew to the flood-affected northern Chitral district where officials say heavy rains and floods have displaced nearly 300,000 people.

Several bridges and roads have been washed away by flood water over the past few days. At least three people have been confirmed dead and dozens of others injured in the rains-related incidents, officials said.

The prime minister visited Chitral "to oversee the relief and rescue activities in progress" by the country's National Disaster Management Authority and other concerned departments.

The prime minister, who also took an aerial view of flood- affected areas throughout the Chitral District, landed from the helicopter at the town of Kuragh, and assured the affected people including women that the government will provide all support in this difficult time.

Sharif was briefed by senior officials about the measures so far undertaken to provide relief and further plans of recovery and assistance to improve the conditions out of calamity.

He directed the concerned departments to employ all resources on emergency basis and make appropriate arrangements for the affected people.

Sharif ordered for damage assessment of the destroyed houses and directed that owners of completely destroyed houses will be compensated with 500,000 rupees (5,000 dollars) while the amount for partially damaged houses will be determined separately. Endi