Ongoing rains hike river flood risks

PDMA warns of threat to low-lying areas of Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal

LAHORE:

The ongoing monsoon spell in Punjab is expected to continue intermittently until August 27, exacerbating the risk of riverine and urban flooding.

Over 120 people have died during the past six weeks as torrential rains and floods swept through rural and urban settlements. Official record shows that 54 fatalities were reported in the first half of July, with the toll steadily in recent days. At least 123 houses have been destroyed and dozens more damaged. More than 2,000 families have been displaced, many of whom are being sheltered in relief camps and emergency shelters. Hundreds of acres of standing crops have also been damaged, inflicting financial losses on farmers.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported a high flood level in Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala and medium level at Head Sulemanki. The water level in Chenab River is also rising, posing a threat to low-lying areas of Gujrat, Sialkot and Narowal.

With Tarbela Dam at full capacity, authorities fear Indus water releases may be necessary if rainfall continues.

Meanwhile the Indian High Commission has issued a warning of high flood levels in Tawi River. Experts warn that this could impact Chenab River and adjoining districts.

The Punjab relief commissioner and PDMA director general have directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert.

Presiding over a meeting to review measures to deal with possible flood in Chenab River in Sialkot and Gujrat, Punjab Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management's Chairman Khawaja Salman Rafique said the flow of rivers might increase in next 24 hours.

A large stream of water from the Jammu Tawi River will enter the Chenab from Marala. The administration of Sialkot and Gujrat has been instructed to remain alert.

Immediate evacuation of residents from the riverbanks is being ensured.

The provincial minister said 72 villages might be affected by high-level floods in the Sutlej River. Over 17,000 people have been shifted to safe places from the riverbanks.

Talwar Post, Wale Wala, Wakhi Wind and Sejran are vulnerable points and 26 flood relief camps have been established in ten area.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan said on the occasion that all residents of the Sutlej area around Ganda Singh Wala should be shifted to safe places.