Sutlej flood recedes to low level in Bahawalpur
"High flood levels” in Sutlej River have compelled the authorities to step up their evacuation measures in various areas of the Punjab province. PHOTO: FILE
The flood in the Sutlej river came close to the Bahawalpur-Lahore National Highway, currently passing through Goth Shah Muhammad area in Khairpur Tamewali tehsil, at a distance of around 10 kilometres from the Empress Bridge, local officials said on Sunday.
At its peak, the Sutlej River swelled to a high flood level, with a flow rate of around 144,000 cusec at the Empress Bridge. However, later in the day, it receded to a low flood level at both the Syphion Headworks in Mailsi and the Empress Bridge in Bahawalpur, as reported by a district administration official.
The floodwaters continued to advance, affecting Goth Shah Muhammad, Goth Noor Muhammad, and surrounding areas in Khairpur Tamewali. This inundation extended over approximately 16-18 kilometers, submerging more than 200 small villages and causing extensive damage to crops across thousands of acres of land.
The residents of Khairpur Tamewali, Israni, Lal Suhanra, Ghot Shah Muhammad, Goth Noor Muhammad, and other areas were displaced from their homes due to the flooding. Additionally, the floodwaters wreaked havoc in the Saddar and Ahmadpur East tehsils of Bahawalpur district.
Sources from various agencies, including the Flood Forecast Division, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and Punjab Emergency Service Department (Rescue 1122), reassured that the Sutlej River was currently at a low flood level. They affirmed that the risk of a high-level flood in the Sutlej River had subsided for the time being.