200th Weekly meeting of RC Jhang was held on the 4th August. The attendance was very healthy as the Rotarians were very much conscious of the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan overall and even that in our close proximity. Jhang has always been a high risk area during floods as it is right by the confluence of Rivers Chenab and Jhelum.
RC Jhang took up the matter and instantly a Flood Relief Committee was set up headed by PP Umar Khan. Donations worth Rs 235,000 were collected there and then, at random, during the meeting.
RC Jhang’s forward team was dispatched to the affected areas on the 5th and 6th to assess the situation and to come up with suggestions for the relief.
But to their horror the Rotarians found out that several people were stranded there and were without food and water for quite a few past days.
Fifty ‘Deghs’ (large cooking pots) of rice, enough for four thousand people, were dispatched along with other utilities to the trapped.
RC Jhang has been able to muster seven motorized boats from different agencies and the cost of fuel is solely being borne by the RC Jhang.
According to the Irrigation Department and the news, a new wave of flood waters, with much higher discharge flows is expected to hit Jhang any time and this might be very critical.
By 7th of August RC Jhang has been able to collect over Rs. 600,000 as donations from Rotarians and their Rotary friends.
On 9th of August RC Jhang concentrated their flood relief efforts towards the areas of:
Qadirpur near Sargodha road
Villages of Ahmedwala,
Chandia,
Laghari,
Thatha Khairay Wala,
and some other places as well.
It was quite hazardous getting there in raging waters by means of boats. Packets comprising of dry food and other utilities were distributed to the stranded.
RC Jhang is just gearing up and intends to undertake a massive relief for the flood affected.
Regards
Khalid Haider
Pres. 2010-11
RC Jhang Saddar
