UN officials assessing flood damages in Upper Chitral

BOONI: Officials from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) are visiting Upper Chitral to assess damages caused by recent floods and to help in rehabilitation activities.

According to a statement, during a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Khalid Zaman at his office in Booni, the UNOCHA representatives were briefed about the damages caused by climate induced flash floods.

They were also assured of assistance and guidance by the administration in carrying out the assessment of the damages in the district.

The representatives of the UN agency visited flood-affected areas of Mastuj including Chuinj, Chinar, Brep and interacted with the displaced people.

OCHA Pakistan said that in  July 2023, the districts of Lower and Upper Chitral received an exceptional and unprecedented torrential/orographic rain. The rain was followed by thunderstorms, cloud outbursts, and flash floods in the streams, inflicting devastation.

Following the disaster and keeping in view the severity of the disaster the provincial government has declared emergency in the districts till August 15, 2023.

OCHA Pakistan field mission conducted meetings with commissioner Malakand Division, deputy commissioners of Lower and Upper Chitral and visited the flood-affected areas in Upper Chitral. OCHA Pakistan will continue its advocacy efforts to update the humanitarian partners and mobilize the resources.