High-flooding looms due to heavy rainfall in India

PDMA instructs authorities in Bahawalpur to make necessary arrangements to handle any emergency situation

BAHAWALPUR/LAHORE:

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Tuesday issued a warning about potential high-level flooding in the Bahawalpur region triggered by further heavy rainfall in India, which has already released water into the Sutlej River.

Official sources within the PDMA revealed that the Board of Revenue, Punjab, has written a letter to the Commissioner of Bahawalpur Division and the Deputy Commissioner of Bahawalpur, instructing them to make necessary arrangements to handle any emergency situations that may arise if there is a surge in water levels in the Sutlej River due to heavy rainfall in India.

According to information provided by the Pakistan Commission for Indus Water, the Indian dams on the Sutlej River, including the Bhakra Dam and Pong Dam, are already at maximum capacity due to the heavy rainfall.

The PDMA's letter stated that further heavy rainfall may cause these dams to overflow, leading to a high-level flooding situation in the Sutlej River.

The letter also warned that increased release of water from the Indian reservoirs could result in various adverse situations, including extensive flooding in areas such as Kasur, Okara, Pakpatan, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Lodhran, Multan, and Bahawalpur, all along the Sutlej River.

The divisional and district managements have been instructed to be prepared for the possibility of high-level flooding. The letter emphasizes that numerous societies and small towns constructed in floodplains and along the Sutlej River could potentially be submerged in the event of a flood.

Flood relief operations continue

Meanwhile, despite a decrease in the water level of the Sutlej River, flood relief operations are still in full swing in the Kasur district.

The district administration office issued a press release on Tuesday, revealing that the current flow of water in the river stands at 116,000 cusecs.

In light of this situation, the administration is actively providing all necessary assistance to the flood victims. A total of 512,700 individuals have been successfully evacuated to safer locations.

Furthermore, authorities have also ensured the safety of 22,305 cattle by moving them to secure sites.

The district administration is committed to providing comprehensive aid to the affected population. Over 25,000 victims have received medical assistance to address their immediate health needs.

In addition, those affected are being provided with essential provisions such as food, drinking water, milk for children, and safe accommodation.

Assistant Commissioner Rizwan-ul-Haq Puri personally visited Government High School Sheikhpura on Tuesday to oversee the flood relief activities being rendered to the affected population.

(With Input from APP)