Sutlej breach floods Chishtian villages

District administration mobilises rescue teams, sets up camps

VEHARI:

A breach in the River Sutlej has triggered flooding across several areas in Chishtian Tehsil, affecting a number of villages and prompting emergency response measures from the district administration.

Official sources said the breach was allegedly caused by a local resident, leading to the overflow of floodwaters into various settlements.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Babar Suleman visited the affected areas to inspect relief operations, assess damages and meet displaced residents.

In response to the situation, a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority and the District Emergency Board was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Babar Suleman and District Police Officer Muhammad Afzal. Officials reviewed the flood situation, urban flood risks, and protective arrangements.

The DC instructed all departments to remain on high alert and coordinate efforts to manage the evolving situation.

The irrigation department has been directed to closely monitor the river's water levels and reinforce protective embankments.

Rescue 1122 has been placed on standby for potential evacuations of residents and livestock. Relief camps and medical facilities have been set up, while boat services are operating at four locations to ensure access to marooned villages.

The affected areas include Saldera, Basti Ittehad, Basti Mianwali, Ajeera, Naseer, and Sardar Garh, among others. In many locations, land routes have been cut off due to standing floodwaters.

DPO Muhammad Afzal stated that legal action will be taken against anyone found responsible for damaging the river's protective infrastructure. He affirmed the police's readiness to support emergency operations.

The executive engineer of the irrigation department reported that the current water discharge in the Sutlej River is 12,500 cusecs and decreasing. Restoration work to close the breach is ongoing.

The deputy commissioner also directed officials to prepare reports on required machinery, issue notices regarding unsafe buildings, and ensure the presence of teaching staff in schools. He instructed that no officer is to leave their post or take leave without approval.

Senior officials from various departments, including health, education, livestock, public relations, and municipal bodies, were present during the visit and emergency meeting.

The district administration has appealed to citizens to cooperate fully and to report any flood-related emergencies to the control room or relevant departments to ensure timely response and protection of life and property.