Makan Bagh-Saidu Sharif road reopens after 10 days

MINGORA: The flood-affected Makan Bagh-Saidu Sharif road was reopened after 10 days.The road had been completely filled with sand and mud following the recent floods, and all the shops along this route were inundated with floodwater and sludge.

Markets like Khawateen Cheena Bazaar, various commercial centres, hundreds of shops, and several small factories were also severely affected, where goods worth billions of rupees were destroyed in the flood.

Meanwhile, cleanup operations continued rapidly in the flood-hit areas of Mingora city, including Makan Bagh, Malak Baba, Bangladesh, Landikas, and surrounding neighborhoods. Residents are largely engaged in cleanup efforts on their own, removing debris from their homes, streets and pathways. Despite this, hundreds of houses and lanes have yet to be fully cleaned.

These affected areas still lack essential facilities like electricity, gas, and water. Over 200,000 affected people are forced to live in harsh and neglected conditions. So far, no substantial relief has been provided by the government. Many families have lost all their household belongings in the flood.

While government machinery is involved in the cleanup, the work is proceeding at a slow pace.On the other hand, seminaries, private and public school students, and civil society members from various walks of life are actively participating in relief efforts. Volunteers from all political parties are also contributing to aid the victims. Despite 10 days since the deluge, electricity and gas supply have not been restored in the affected areas, causing immense hardship to the residents.