ISLAMABAD: The Sutlej River’s moderate flood has escalated to a high level and is anticipated to remain at an extremely high flood level for the next 24 hours.
The water level at Head Ganda Singhwala in Kasur has risen beyond 23 feet due to an increased volume of floodwaters released from India into the Sutlej River.
Consequently, the water level in the third spell of the Sutlej River continues to rise, causing extensive destruction to numerous villages and vast stretches of farmland.
Today, India will release more water into the Sutlej River, further aggravating the situation. The floods have caused significant damage to crops such as paddy, turmeric, maize, and taro (arvi), and several villages have been submerged.
The flow of water at Ganda Singhwala in Kasur has surged to 278,297 cusecs, and the exceptionally high flood level is projected to persist over the next 24 hours.
The release of floodwaters from the Ferozepur Barrage has exacerbated the crisis in Kasur, and the administrations of Okara, Pakpattan, and Vihari districts are on high alert.
A substantial current is predicted to reach Sulemanki Barrage in Okara this afternoon. To address this, rescue agencies have dispatched additional boats and safety equipment.
Rural areas and settlements along riverbanks are facing severe threats.
Presently, the inflow of water at Head Sulemanki is 80,143 cusecs, with an outflow of 66,427 cusecs. At Head Islam, the inflow stands at 32,072 cusecs, and the outflow is 30,142 cusecs.
The water level at the Syphon in Mailsi has reached 41,403 cusecs, posing a flood threat to Mailsi for the upcoming five days.
Meanwhile, due to the floodwaters from India, the Sutlej River has overflowed, endangering numerous villages in Pakpattan. The administration has requested heavy machinery to safeguard the road network.
