Rescue and evacuation efforts are ongoing in parts of Punjab as the Sutlej River continues to experience high flood levels. Over the weekend, the river surged to extremely high levels at Ganda Singh Wala Barrage, resulting in the evacuation of hundreds of families from 72 villages in Kasur and Chunian. Unfortunately, three people in Kasur drowned while trying to seek higher ground.
As of the latest update from the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), the flood level in the river at Ganda Singh Wala has reduced to very high. The FFD also reported a high-level flood at Sulemanki Headworks, in line with their forecast from the previous day. The water level in Sutlej is decreasing at Ganda Singh Wala but increasing at Sulemanki Headworks, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab.
Low-lying areas of Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Multan, and Lodhran are currently facing floods, and the local administrations in these areas are on high alert. Flood relief centers have been set up, and evacuations are underway in these regions.
As of today, the PDMA in Punjab has reported that 56 locations in the Okara district are expected to be affected by the flood. The Lahore Commissioner’s office has issued a statement regarding the ongoing rescue operations. As of Sunday, a total of 23,364 individuals from flood-affected areas in Kasur have been rescued and shifted to safe locations. Additionally, 15,800 animals have been rescued, and various relief camps have been established, providing medical and livestock assistance.
Rescue and relief operations have been accelerated in the riverine and flood-affected areas of Kasur, continuously monitored by the Lahore Commissioner’s office. Rescue teams are present in villages along the river, with backup teams on standby. The authorities, along with other organizations, are actively engaged in providing assistance and relief day and night.
In Multan, Rescue 1122 teams are conducting rescue services in Okara, Pakpattan, and Vehari. The teams, which include three boats and 21 rescuers, have successfully moved several people to safe locations, including women and children, and have also relocated animals from affected areas.
The Punjab Relief Commissioner, Nabeel Javed, has directed local administration officials to stay in the field and warned them of consequences for negligence. He has emphasized the importance of all relevant departments staying alert to ensure the protection of people’s lives and properties. Provision of essential items such as food, shelter, water, and medicine to affected citizens must be ensured.
In case of an emergency situation, citizens can contact the PDMA on their helpline number, 1129.
[Note to editor: Repeatedly mentioning the floods, evacuation, and rescue efforts in a single article might give the impression that the situation is chaotic or worsens by the minute. It is important to highlight the relief efforts, coordination, and available assistance to convey a sense of hope and determination.]