The water level in the Sutlej River at Islam Headworks in Punjab has reached a critical point, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue alerts to local authorities. The PDMA reported that the water level at the location has exceeded 120,000 cusecs, indicating a high flood situation. Earlier in the day, the PDMA and Flood Forecasting Division had classified the river as being in a medium flood state. As a result of the escalating situation, the PDMA has notified the local administrations in Lahore, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Vehari, and Lodhran.
The Director General of the PDMA, Imran Qureshi, assured that all necessary arrangements have been made to effectively manage any emergency situations that may arise. The PDMA’s control room is monitoring the situation around the clock. Additionally, the statement from the authority highlighted that Sutlej River is experiencing a medium flood at Sulemanki Headworks and Ganda Singh Wala.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that the water flow in the Sutlej River could increase in the next five to six days due to potential water releases by India. In response, the NDMA has requested the PDMA to evacuate residents from low-lying areas that may be affected by the flood.
The PDMA, along with the Pakistan Meteorological Department, has issued a warning regarding the possibility of further rise in the water level of the Sutlej River within the next 24 hours, as a result of recent rains in the upper catchment areas.
As of now, rescue teams have successfully evacuated 81,136 individuals and relocated 148,284 to safe locations between July 9 and August 23 in the 22 flood-hit districts of Punjab. Unfortunately, 16 people have lost their lives and 36 others have been injured in the riverine areas affected by the high flood, as reported by the Rescue 1122.
The Director General, Imran Qureshi, emphasized that efforts are being made to inform the public regarding any emergency situations through various channels including social media, television, newspapers, and even mosque announcements. He called upon the district administration in vulnerable areas to enforce a ban on bathing in rivers to ensure public safety.