Sutlej breaks record for water flows in 35 years

Thousands evacuated to safe locations as river witnesses 278,000 cusecs deluge

LAHORE/ BAHAWALNAGAR:

Thousands of people living in the vicinity of River Sutlej were evacuated to higher grounds after an unprecedented surge in water in 35 years was reported as India continues to release water in the river.

Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the water level in Sutlej River had reached a record 278,000 cusecs after 35 years.

The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) reported that Sutlej River was at an “extremely high flood level” at its Ganda Singh Wala point and this precarious situation would remain unchanged.

It added that Sutlej River at Sulemanki Headworks was expected to reach a “high to very high flood level” in the next 24 hours.

The FFD further said Islam Headworks was predicted to witness a high flood level from Aug 22 onwards.

The Punjab Irrigation Department said the inflow of water at Sulemanki Headworks was 80,143 cusecs.

The residents of Lalika, Chavika, Wazirka, Kot Makhdoom, Bonga Ehsan, Kaku Bodla, Pir Sikandar, Kalia Shah, Jodhika and other adjoining areas are being evacuated after the warning.

In a statement, a Provincial Disaster Management Authority official warned that India was likely to continue releasing more water into the river until Aug 21.

Read Sutlej braces for high flood as India releases more water

The interim chief minister wrote on social media website X that an unprecedented 278,000 cusecs of water was gushing near the Ganda Singh border in Kasur following India’s discharge and the provincial government was closely monitoring the situation.

“Visited flood-affected areas and relief camps today. Appreciation for district administration, Rescue 1122, police, and irrigation teams for their 24/7 efforts over the past three days,” he added.

“This flood is unprecedented in 35 years, but our teams are on the ground, dedicated to securing and helping our people. Insha Allah, we’ll get through this together,” Naqvi continued.

Earlier, the acting chief minister reached Talwar Post Ganda Singh Wala to review the situation.

He visited the affected areas and met with the flood victims in the relief camp as well as the border villages of Ganda Singh Wala.