Sutlej flood gradually receding

PDMA issues alert ahead of an expected monsoon system starting from Sept 2

LAHORE/ VIHARI:

The flood situation in river Sutlej is gradually improving as the water level has decreased to a moderate flood at Ganda Singh Wala and Sulemanki headworks, according to a spokesperson of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

In a statement, the PDMA spokesperson informed that the current flow of water at Ganda Singh Wala is 89,060 cusecs, while the inflow at Head Sulemanki is 95,196 cusecs with an outflow of 81,366 cusecs.

He added that the water flow at Head Islam is 82,916 cusecs and other rivers of Punjab are experiencing normal water flow.

Meanwhile, relief activities are ongoing in the flood-affected areas. The PDMA has also issued a rain alert ahead of an expected monsoon system that will bring heavy rains to the upper reaches of all major rivers in Pakistan from September 2 to 5.

Instructions have been given to all concerned institutions, including the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), to prepare for drainage.

Flood victims sent electricity bills

However, a moderate level of flood in the Sutlej River at Head Salam continues to cause problems for the flood victims, especially due to the scarcity of water. Women in the affected areas are facing serious challenges in accessing health facilities.

In addition, the victims are burdened with high electricity bills despite not having electricity for a month.

The land connection of more than 113 villages and settlements has yet to be restored due to the flood, making it even more difficult to deliver aid and supplies to those in need.

It has been reported that the flow of water at Head Ganda Singh is 80,000 cusecs, which indicates that there will be a moderate flood for several more days at Head Islam, further exacerbating the problems faced by the victims.

Moreover, the recovery of the Sutlej River is not expected to be possible even in September.

Victims, including Muzaffar Baloch, Maher Manzoor, Malik Amjad Langriyal, Malik Arshad Langriyal, and others, expressed their concerns about the shortage of food items for those who were trapped and later rescued.

They have also criticised the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) for sending high electricity bills to flood-affected households despite the lack of electricity for a month. The victims are demanding that their electricity bills be waived.

The affected individuals further mentioned that government settlements are located too far away for victims to reach on foot or with animals, causing difficulties in accessing basic necessities such as clean drinking water and rations.

To address the situation, Deputy Commissioner Vehari, Asif Shah, stated that 101 rescuers are providing round-the-clock services to rescue flood victims in the Sutlej River.

He also mentioned that Rescue 1122 has deployed 46 boats to evacuate over 55,000 people and more than 5,000 animals from flood-affected areas to safe places.