River Sutlej delugeleaves 90k homeless

Crops on 76,000 acres of land destroyed; victims face hunger, disease

BAHAWALNAGAR:

The recent flooding in the River Sutlej has turned into one of the worst disasters in Bahawalnagar's history, displacing more than 90,000 people and wreaking havoc on agriculture, livestock, and local livelihoods.

According to the district administration, nearly the entire 155-kilometre-long river belt lies submerged, with Manchanabad, Bahawalnagar, and Chishtian tehsils directly hit.

A total of 104 villages have been severely affected, forcing 90,223 residents to leave their homes for safer places. Officials said 43,437 animals had been relocated, while 76,854 acres of farmland and 6,665 houses were inundated.

Eighteen flood relief camps have been set up across the district, but victims complain of inadequate facilities, with many families living under the open sky without shelter, food, or clean water.

The local economy has been hit hard, with cotton, rice, maize, and fodder crops completely destroyed. Farmers say they face financial ruin.

"All our crops have washed away — there is no seed left, no land fit to cultivate. We won't recover even by next season," said farmer Muhammad Yaseen.

Another farmer, Allah Ditta, added: "Our cattle are starving without fodder. No government help has reached us yet."

Women and children are also bearing the brunt of the disaster.

"We have nothing to eat, no clean water. Our children are sick and crying," said Zeenat Bibi, an elderly woman in tears.

Health risks are rising sharply, with contaminated water causing outbreaks of diarrhea, cholera, malaria, and skin diseases.

District Health CEO Dr Shaukat Wattoo said 19 medical camps are functioning round the clock with necessary medicines.

Rescue 1122 Commander Rao Sharafat reported that 13 boat camps have been set up in the riverine areas, from where more than 1,500 people and nearly 1,000 animals have been shifted to safety. "Our teams are working day and night to assist victims," he said.

However, flood survivors accuse the administration of negligence and indifference, claiming tents and food supplies are not being provided. They said a brief visit by the Bahawalpur commissioner led to a few temporary camps, which were removed after his departure.

Locals also alleged that neither officials nor the media were shown the worst-affected river belt, leaving residents frustrated and hopeless.