DG Khan authorities on the toes for floods

DERA GHAZI KHAN:

Heavy rains in Koh-e-Suleman, Taunsa, Fort Munro, Dera city, and surrounding areas are causing a flood-like situation due to excessive inflow of water in different river streams.

According to a report by the Irrigation Department, Kora River stream has a flow of 17,570 cusecs, Vehova has 20,805 cusecs, Sunghar has 11,540 cusecs and Sori Lund has 29,270 cusecs. Waddor river stream has a high flood level of 40,611 cusecs and Sakhi Sarwar has an extremely high-level flood at 32,570 cusecs, while Mithan has 6,001 cusecs.

The DG Khan district administration has been put on high alert following predictions of further heavy rainfall by Pakistan Meteorological Department. In anticipation of potential flooding, staff have been deployed at mountain passes to continuously monitor the rivers.

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Usman Khalid visited the Waddor spillway, where officials briefed him on the river's water capacity, drainage, protective embankments, and other key issues. He said that heavy rainfall in the Koh-e-Sulaiman and Balochistan mountain ranges could lead to flooding in the district, affecting seven major rivers and posing a risk to nearby settlements.

The DC directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert, ensure the clearance of river routes, removal of encroachments, and public awareness.