Floodwaters recede as rivers stabilise in Punjab
A resident catches food handouts as he, along with others, stands in a flooded street following monsoon rains and rising water levels of the Chenab River, in Seetpur, Punjab. Photo: REUTERS
The flood situation in Punjab’s rivers has largely normalised after weeks of flooding, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Saturday.
“Water flow in most of Punjab’s rivers has returned to normal,” DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia stated, adding that water levels in flood-hit areas had dropped significantly.
According to a PDMA report, the flow at Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej River stands at 104,000 cusecs, while Sulemanki recorded 81,000 cusecs.
On the Chenab, water flows measured 42,000 cusecs at Marala, 44,000 cusecs at Khanki Headworks, 37,000 cusecs at Qadirabad, and 41,000 cusecs at Trimmu Headworks. At Panjnad, the flow reached 133,000 cusecs. The Ravi River recorded 8,000 cusecs at Jassar, 9,000 at Shahdara, 31,000 at Balloki Headworks, and 29,000 at Sidhnai Headworks.
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed noted that the Mangla Dam is at 96 percent capacity and Tarbela is full, while on the Sutlej, India’s Bhakra Dam has reached 88 percent capacity, Pong Dam 99 percent, and Thein Dam 90 percent.
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He said despite the easing of river conditions, the floods have caused significant damage. More than 4,700 villages were affected, with 4.755 million people hit by the disaster, the Relief Commissioner reported.
Providing details about casualties, Nabeel Javed said the PDMA had confirmed 127 deaths caused by floods in various incidents. “In line with the chief minister’s instructions, compensation will be provided to affected citizens,” he said.
He further added that a survey to estimate losses would soon begin, after which compensation would be delivered “through a transparent and simple procedure.”
Relief operations continue
Outlining the details of relief efforts, Javed said tent cities had been established in 19 villages of Alipur to support flood-affected communities. Food, clean drinking water, dry rations, and fodder for livestock were being distributed in villages near the Kotla Akar and Khanwan flood embankments, including Azmat Pur, Bet Mala Wali, Basti Kundrala, Bet Noor Wala, Lal Wala, Tibba Tiya Wali, Bet Chanan, Peepal Wala, Langrawan, Maseen Four, Kundai, Kotla Ghulam Shah, and Sarki.
He said essential supplies were also being delivered to flood victims staying at relief camps in Ghulwan near Chander Bhan and Lakhan Bela. Each tent city was equipped with “Clinic on Wheels,” field hospitals, and sanitation teams from Suthra Punjab, while doctors and medical staff were present to provide healthcare.
“Meals are being served three times a day, along with milk packs, mosquito repellents, and safe drinking water. Drinking water and fodder are also being provided for livestock,” he added.
Javed said deputy commissioners and public representatives were conducting visits to oversee the distribution of relief items. Water tankers had also been dispatched to ensure a continuous supply of clean water across all flood-hit areas of Punjab, including the tent cities in Alipur, Seetpur, Uch Sharif, Ahmedpur East, and other affected regions.
He said over 319 relief camps and 407 medical camps had been set up in the worst-hit districts, while 2.62 million people had been moved to safe locations.
Read more: Heavy rain forecast raises new flood fears across Punjab
To safeguard livestock, 356 veterinary camps were established and 2.09 million animals relocated, he added. “Once the survey is complete, compensation will be provided through a transparent and simple procedure,” Javed assured.
Commissioner Lahore Maryam Khan has dispatched a consignment of more than 500 ration cartons, donated by Unilever Pakistan, for flood-affected families. The Lahore district administration will distribute the aid among victims in Theme Park Society.
Each carton contains flour, sugar, rice, chickpeas, tea, milk, cooking oil, soap, mosquito repellent spray, and other essential items. Appreciating Unilever’s relief efforts, the commissioner praised the company’s support, while Unilever officials Shehzad Waris, Ijlal Zaka, and others briefed her on ongoing assistance activities.