Risk of flood near Lahore averted

India had released 170,000 cusecs of water on Monday

LAHORE:

A flood risk was averted as the river flow remained normal after water released by India in the Ravi passed areas near Lahore.

However, relief activities are going on in rain and flood-affected areas in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur.

India had released 170,000 cusecs of water into the Ravi river on Monday after which the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) had indicated a low-level flood risk in the upstream areas. An increase of 10,000 cusecs was seen in the flow due to the passage of the water released by India in the Ravi river near Lahore on Wednesday morning.

The water flow in the river at Jasar was recorded at 45,720 cusecs.

The water level has started to decrease as compared to the previous day. The water flow in the Ravi at Shahdara was 29,317 cusecs, at Siphon 29,890 cusecs and Head Balloki 15,700 cusecs.

According to the PDMA, all required arrangements had been completed in view of the risk of flooding.

Flood relief camps have been set up in the districts adjoining the river.

PDMA Operation Director Khalid Masood Farooka told The Express Tribune that the flow of water in Ravi river was normal. He said the relief operation was continuing in DG Khan and Rajanpur. The Punjab relief commissioner and PDMA ditector general are supervising the operation.

Relief camps have been set up in the flooded areas, where food, drinks, medical treatment and transport facilities are being provided to the victims.

The official said the PDMA and other departments were fully prepared to deal with any emergency.

On the other hand, a large number of citizens reached the river bank near Lahore after reports about the flood were shared on social media.

There are hundreds of nomadic huts along the banks of the river and local people have tied their cattle.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2022.