Indus flood swamps 5 villages

LAHORE:

The Indus river is flowing at a moderate flood level at Chashma and Taunsa.

According to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), villages along the Indus river in Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa and Kot Chitta tehsil were affected by floodwater. At least five villages on the riverbank were submerged.

On the other hand, monsoon rains are likely in most districts of Punjab in the next two days.

According to a weather report cited by the PDMA, strong winds and thundershowers are expected in Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Okara, Kasur, Sahiwal, Khushab, Faisalabad, Sargodha and Nurpur Thal.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi received 43 milimetres of rainfall, Sialkot 21mm, Chakwal 17mm, Gujarat 16mm, Murree 13mm and Khanpur 11mm in the last 24 hours.

Due to monsoon rains, the water level in rivers, dams and canals is increasing.

From August 7 to 13, there is a risk of flooding in the water channels of the Chenab and Ravi rivers.

In the Indus river, there is a moderate level of flood at Chashma and Taunsa, while there is low flood at Tarbela and Kalabagh.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said all arrangements are complete in view of the possible flood risk. However, he urged the citizens to take precautionary measures and follow government guidelines.

As per the PDMA, at least 55 people have been killed and 145 others injured in accidents attributed to the monsoon season this year. The deaths were caused by lightning and the collapse of dilapidated buildings.

The DG said financial assistance is being given to the families of the deceased. He said loss of lives can be avoided by taking precautionary measures, including avoiding residing in dilapidated buildings.

He said there had been no loss of life or property because of the flooding of villages because of timely action by the PDMA and the local administration. Residents and their livestock were rescued from the affected areas in time. The DG said eight boats and 34 rescue workers were engaged in relief activities in the flood-affected areas.

At least 61 people were transferred to safe places along with 650 head of cattle.

He said free food and transport were provided to the affected people. Disease prevention drugs and vaccination facilities were provided for the cattle.

Administration officers are present in the field and the relief activities will continue until the evacuation and rehabilitation of residents of the affected areas, the official added.

Meanwhile, Lahore Divisional Commissioner Zaid bin Maqsood presided over a weekly meeting of a coordination committee for water drainage and traffic flow.

The participants were informed that the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has deepened the ground level of 45 parks in the city for rainwater collection from adjoining areas.

The commissioner instructed Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) teams to inspect the parks.

The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) was directed to clear 72 identified points of construction debris along roads.

An operation is under way to remove illegal signboards from city roads to ensure smooth traffic flow.

The commissioner said water should not remain stagnant in parks for extended periods to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes.

With additional input from APP