Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah.—File photo

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said Tuesday that devastating rains coupled with breaches in LBDO have affected about one million people in six districts of lower Sindh.

He was speaking at an Iftar dinner hosted by Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon at DHA Golf Club.

Federal Information Minister Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, Federal Labour and Manpower Minister Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Speaker Sindh Assembly Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, PPP ministers and leaders and leaders of MQM, ANP, PML (Q), JUP, JUI, PML (F) and Sunni Tehreek    (ST) were also present on the occasion.

He said    the situation was very unfortunate in the rain- affected areas and the government was doing its best to provide relief to the affected people. It is almost similar to the devastating floods of last year, the CM added.

He thanked President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani for taking immediate notice of the devastation in the area.

Replying to a question on the response of federal government, he pointed out that the Prime Minister had already visited the affected areas on the third day of rain and the President had contacted him (CM) by    telephone to obtain a report about the situation.

Qaim Ali Shah hoped that the federal government will make a good announcement for the help of affected areas.

He said the armed forces including Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force had rushed their teams to rescue people from marooned areas and evacuate them to safer places and relief camps.

Responding to a question about the casualties, he pointed out that 30 people have died in the affected areas. The death toll could have been higher in the absence of armed forces and lack of arrangements.