LAHORE/KASUR: The Sutlej River surged to “extremely high levels” at the Ganda Singh Wala Barrage, prompting the evacuation of numerous families from 72 villages in Kasur and Chunian. Tragically, three individuals lost their lives in Kasur as they attempted to seek refuge from the floodwaters by moving to higher ground.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued reports indicating a critical flooding situation along the Sutlej River. The evolving circumstances hinged on the water flow at Harike Headworks and Ferozepur Headworks. The water level at the Ganda Singh Barrage surged to 23 feet, accompanied by a flow rate of 269,000 cusecs. In Sulemanki, a moderate level of flooding was observed with a flow rate of 83,072 cusecs. There is an impending risk of extreme flooding at Head Sulemanki within the next 24 hours.
The water flow escalated to 30,142 cusecs at Head Islam. The potential for severe flooding in Head Islam is anticipated to begin on August 22. However, the water flow in the Sindh, Jhelum, Chenab, and Ravi rivers is within normal ranges.
The administrative authorities in the districts neighboring the Sutlej River have been placed on high alert. Precautionary measures have been enacted to limit the movement of people in regions close to the Sutlej River.
Unprecedented in 35 years
The Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, remarked that the flooding of the Sutlej River was unprecedented in the past 35 years. He personally inspected the flood-affected regions. He visited relief camps at the Sutlej Talwar Post located near the Ganda Singh border.
Upon learning that residents in the affected villages were hesitant to leave their homes and belongings, the Chief Minister took the step of imposing Section 144, calling for its strict enforcement.
He emphasized that the government’s foremost priority was to safeguard the lives of the people. He assured that every feasible effort would be made to assist those affected, providing them with necessary aid and support.
