Risking lives: Swat in danger as water rises
Around four houses in Ghawerjo village were destroyed and walls of one fell.
Villagers have appealed to the district administration and the new government to take immediate steps to prevent losses. PHOTO: FILE
MINGORA:
With increasing water levels, the Swat River overflows and enters villages located along the river. The damage doubled as there are no embankments along the riverbank to stop the water from overflowing.
Apart from causing damage to the houses, the water affects agriculture too. “We are completely dependent on farming and all our fields are located along the river,” said Riaz Ali, a local farmer. Ahmad further said it was the third consecutive time this has happened.
Around four houses in Ghawerjo village were destroyed and walls of one fell, compelling the families to move to other areas in summer, said Nematullah, a resident.
Villagers have appealed to the district administration and the new government to take immediate steps to prevent losses. When contacted, an official of the irrigation department said construction work on walls on the riverbank was underway and is expected to be completed soon.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 3rd, 2013.
With increasing water levels, the Swat River overflows and enters villages located along the river. The damage doubled as there are no embankments along the riverbank to stop the water from overflowing.
Apart from causing damage to the houses, the water affects agriculture too. “We are completely dependent on farming and all our fields are located along the river,” said Riaz Ali, a local farmer. Ahmad further said it was the third consecutive time this has happened.
Around four houses in Ghawerjo village were destroyed and walls of one fell, compelling the families to move to other areas in summer, said Nematullah, a resident.
Villagers have appealed to the district administration and the new government to take immediate steps to prevent losses. When contacted, an official of the irrigation department said construction work on walls on the riverbank was underway and is expected to be completed soon.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 3rd, 2013.