Lahore: President Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan, Dr. Hafeezur Rehman said that it is the responsibility of governments to prevent disasters, and if trees had not been cut down in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and houses and hotels had not been built in water channels, the current situation would not have arisen. 'When illegal constructions are built along riverbanks, destruction is inevitable,' he said.
He added that volunteers of his organization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa carried out numerous rescue operations during which as many as 800 lives were saved. Speaking to the web portal V News, he explained the recent flooding in the country, saying that more than 7,000 houses have been affected.
Dr. Hafeezur Rehman stated that during the formation of flood conditions, the supply of clean water was essential because the flood victims were displaced and had no access to drinking water. Therefore, in the first phase, trucks of bottled mineral water were dispatched, followed later by the installation of a filtration plant providing 48,000 liters of clean water daily. He further said that around 7,000 people are being provided food every day in flood-affected areas.
Highlighting health concerns, he mentioned that due to the risk of outbreaks of various diseases, medical camps were set up from day one. So far, more than 200 medical camps have been established in flood-affected regions, providing free treatment to over 30,000 people.
He added that Alkhidmat Foundation's health division has over 300 ambulances, 12 mobile health units, and thousands of qualified doctors, including 5,000 doctors registered with the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association, who are actively serving.
In response to a question, Dr. Hafeezur Rehman said that the foundation does not currently have an air ambulance, though they could purchase one, but an entire system would be required for its proper functioning. He expressed hope that an air ambulance would also be acquired in the future. He said that at present, houses of the affected people in KP are filled with 4 to 5 feet of mud, which is a major problem.
He said that Alkhidmat Foundation has 10 excavators, 10 dumpers, 10 tractors with blades, and thousands of volunteers engaged in the cleanup work. Dr. Hafeezur Rehman stated that it is essential at this time to clean people's homes and shops, and afterwards, those whose houses and businesses have been affected should also be supported financially so their livelihoods can be restored.