The Sutlej River is experiencing high flood levels as a result of increased water release from India.
A staggering flow of 280,000 cusecs has entered Bahawalnagar district, prompting the deputy commissioner to issue immediate evacuation orders for residents in the river belt.
According to DC Bahawalnagar Zulfiqar Bhoon, this is the first time in 35 years that such a massive flood flow has affected the Sutlej River. The immense volume of water, measuring 275,000 cusecs, has the potential to cause severe damage in the area.
In his video message, Bhoon urged people to seek safety in relief camps or other secure locations. He also emphasized the importance of evacuating livestock from the flood-prone region.
The deputy commissioner reassured the public that relief camps are well-equipped with essential medicines, including snake-bite vaccines. Additionally, fodder and medicine for livestock have been made available at these camps.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has declared the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala to be at an “extremely high-flood level.” The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that the water level at Talwar Post is currently 12 feet, while it reaches 15 feet at Fateh Mohammad Post.
The PDMA noted that the flooding in the Sutlej River has cut off land routes to numerous villages in Kasur. Furthermore, standing crops across hundreds of acres of land have been destroyed as a result.
According to the PDMA, the high flood flow in the Sutlej is expected to pass through Islam Headworks on August 21.
The Punjab PDMA also revealed that the Office of the Indian Commissioner for Indus Water Treaty has confirmed that Harike and Ferozepur Headworks in India are now in the flood regime. Water discharge from these works will occur daily until August 21.