Punjab Flood Alert in 11 Districts
Flood threat in Punjab, Punjab authorities have issued a high alert in 11 districts as huge floodwaters keep on flowing downstream, threatening big cities like Multan severely. Round-the-clock work is being done by emergency staff to reinforce embankments, conduct evacuations, and make arrangements for controlled breaches for defending settled areas.
Mass Evacuations Underway
Flood threat in Punjab, So far, over 400,000 people and over 400,000 livestock have been shifted from flood-hit areas. The Punjab Relief Department has termed the operation one of the biggest rescue efforts in the history of the province, involving boats, helicopters, and well over 100 relief camps.
Ravi, Chenab, Sutlej Overflowing
The Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers are all seeing high flood levels for the first time in years all at once. The Sutlej River has already inundated massive tracts in Bahawalnagar, Pakpattan, Lodhran, and other districts, ruining crops and cutting off several villages. The Chenab River is racing towards Multan, where five key embankments are being strengthened and preparations are being made for likely controlled breaches to safeguard urban areas. The Ravi River also continues in top flood, and watch is being maintained at major headworks.
Dams Near Capacity
In a bid to divert water and alleviate pressure on flood defenses, embankment controlled demolitions have started. There were controlled demolitions by the use of explosives around Jhang and other high-risk spots. Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed says these measures are necessary to save cities and avoid loss of life: “Every possible measure is being taken to protect the people.”
30 Dead, Crops Destroyed
As for Tarbela and Mangla dams, both are approaching full capacity, and alarm grows regarding higher downstream flow. Large barrages such as Taunsa, Guddu, and Sukkur are all seeing sharp increases in water levels, which is causing concern regarding possible flooding further south within the Indus River Basin.
At least 30 individuals have been killed in flood-related accidents to date, with thousands of houses inundated and fields ravaged. Farmers in certain areas have had to pick crops early in an attempt to salvage what they can.
Multan Faces Chenab Surge
The Chenab River will flow with as much as 800,000 cusecs of water close to Multan in the next two days. As a precautionary measure, another 300,000 people are to be evacuated from at-risk areas. Mosques are making loudspeaker announcements to prompt residents to shift to safer locations at once.
With the continuing heavy rains and increasing river inflows, authorities caution that conditions may deteriorate in the days ahead. People living in danger zones are being advised to remain vigilant and obey evacuation orders. The government has again asserted that human lives are the priority as Punjab is hit with one of the worst flood crises in its recent past.