On Monday, Punjab Rangers and Rescue 1122 teams initiated a joint rescue operation in Shakargarh Tehsil of Punjab province. The operation was in response to excessive water released by India, causing flash floods near the bordering village.
During the rescue operation, the rescue team successfully saved a total of 223 stranded residents, primarily women, and children, amidst rising water levels in the River Ravi. While the Punjab Rangers’ rescue team remained in the area to address the situation, they relocated people to safer areas.
The village of Jalala in Shakargarh also suffered crop damage due to the floodwaters originating from India. When the cultivated crops were submerged, the local paddy farmers became trapped.
India released approximately 185,000 cusecs of water into the River Ravi on Sunday. Consequently, the surplus water has reached Kartarpur Jassar via Naina Kot, and it will reach Lahore through Shahdara within the next 48 hours as anticipated. Reports of flooding have already emerged in River Ravi, Nullah Baeen, and other tributaries.
The administration in the districts adjacent to the River Ravi and Chenab is on high alert and has established relief camps in various districts in anticipation of the floods.
The PDMA has observed moderate flooding in Chenab at Marala, Shakargarh, and Nullah Baeen. There is a low-level flood in Khanki and Kadirabad in Chenab, while the water flow in other rivers remains normal.
Authorities are continuously monitoring the water flow in all rivers, barrages, dams, and canals. The control room is overseeing the entire situation in Punjab.
The caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, stated on Sunday that there is no flood in the province. He mentioned that India had released a similar amount of water into the Ravi last year, which was 31,000 cusecs when it reached Lahore.
Regarding preparations for flooding in Dera Ghazi Khan, the chief minister has confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been completed. However, he stressed that individuals should not have constructed settlements within the river and announced that the government would evacuate those who occupy government lands.
Govt Warns Of Heavy Rain Across Pakistan In The Next 24 Hours: High Flood In Chenab And Ravi River
The federal government forewarned the people about nationwide heavy rains, urging people to exercise caution to avoid mishaps.
Federal Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman has urged all public and non-government organizations to remain “vigilant and ready” as heavy rains with thunderstorms are expected over the next 24 to 48 hours.
She said that the rains may impact at least 0.9 million people.
“The highest amount of rainfall will be in Punjab’s cities like Lahore, Narowal, and Sialkot. Senator Sherry Rehman has warned that other provinces have received alerts of heavy to moderate rain.
Authorities have issued urban flooding alerts for cities and municipal areas with risks of landslides.
