ISLAMABAD: Rescue and evacuation operations continued on Sunday in parts of Punjab as the Sutlej River experienced high to very high flood levels at two locations.
At the Ganda Singh Wala Barrage, Sutlej reached “extremely high levels” on Saturday, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of families from 72 villages in Kasur and Chunian. Tragically, three individuals drowned in floodwaters in Kasur while attempting to seek higher ground.
According to the 6 p.m. update by the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), the flood level at Ganda Singh Wala had decreased to a very high-level today. The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) confirmed its forecast from the previous day by reporting a high-level flood at the Sulemanki Headworks.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab issued a statement indicating that the water level in Sutlej was decreasing at Ganda Singh Wala, but increasing at Sulemanki Headworks. They noted the flow of water at Islam Headworks as “normal.”
However, PDMA reported that low-lying areas in districts including Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Multan, and Lodhran were experiencing floods. The local administration placed these areas on high alert and completed preparations for setting up flood relief centers while evacuations were in progress.
According to a statement by the PDMA in Punjab, the flood was expected to impact 56 locations in the Okara district.
In Kasur, the office of Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa revealed that they had rescued and relocated 23,364 individuals from flood-affected areas to safe places. Efforts included rescuing 15,800 animals, establishing flood relief, medical, and livestock camps, as well as maintaining operational presence at Talwar Post at Ganda Singh Wala.
Presence Of Rescue Teams In Riverside Villages
The commissioner’s office emphasized that rescue and relief operations were accelerated in riverine and flood-affected areas of Kasur. The district’s deputy commissioner and district police officer monitored relief activities, and the situation in the Sutlej River was under continuous surveillance.
The commissioner, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, highlighted the presence of rescue teams in riverside villages and standby teams for backup support. He stressed the active engagement of provincial, and district authorities, and other organizations in providing assistance around the clock.
Furthermore, in Multan, Rescue 1122 authorities noted that their teams were actively conducting rescue operations in Okara, Pakpattan, and Vehari. These teams, equipped with boats and rescuers, were moving individuals, including women and children, to safe locations and relocating animals from affected areas.
However, the Punjab Relief Commissioner, Nabeel Javed, directed local administration officials to remain in the field and warned of consequences for negligence. He stressed the need for relevant departments to be alert to safeguard lives and properties, ensuring the provision of essential items like food, shelter, water, and medicines.
In addition, the statement concluded by providing citizens with the 1129 helpline for the PDMA to use in emergency situations.
