LAHORE: Families of flood victims in Punjab would get Rs800,000 worth of financial assistance, chief minister Pervez Elahi announced on Sunday, as heavy rains batter the most populated province of the country.

“Compensation amount for damaged houses, crops, and livestock will be given to the people after taking estimation,” he said while presiding over a meeting in Lahore to assess the relief measures in areas impacted by flash floods.

Torrential rains have pummeled Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, and Mianwali cities of Punjab, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasting more rain in the province. “Overall, a tendency for above normal precipitation is predicted over most parts of the country,” said the Pakistan Meteorological Department outlook for August.

The newly-sworn in chief minister directed officials to ensure speedy construction of roads in the affected areas and the setting up of medical campuses in the flood-affected areas. He also issued directives for vaccination against epidemic diseases.

“People affected by flash floods will not be left alone. I will soon visit the flood-affected areas,” he said and stressed the need for expediting the relief work

Pervez ordered officials to start work on a war footing for the restoration and construction of roads.

Over 60 people have been killed in rain-related incidents in Punjab, the national data said. The monsoon season in the country runs from July through September and every year it struggles with heavy rains.