Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief to provide immediate assistance to people affected by recent hailstorms and flash floods across the country during the ongoing public holidays.The directive was given during a Cabinet meeting, said Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani while briefing the reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday.“Recently, northern and northeastern regions have experienced hailstorms and flash floods and the two ministries have been instructed to work jointly to prepare and distribute relief packages during the holiday period,” he said.

Deputy Commissioners have already been asked to distribute available packages to affected people and any additional support needed will be prepared and delivered by the ministries, he added.

Besides, the ministries will ensure that all necessary assistance to alleviate the suffering of people affected by these disasters is provided, with detailed planning and coordination

The deputy commissioners have been authorised to use local funds immediately to support relief efforts, he said.