Lahore (Punjab), Pakistan, 27 August (Kiran News): The risk of flooding has increased in six districts of Pakistan’s Punjab province as river water levels continue to rise rapidly. The Punjab government is evacuating coastal villages and has called in the army to assist with rescue and relief operations in these districts. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported late Tuesday night that India has opened all gates of the Thien Dam on the Ravi River. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall has caused the Chenab River to swell, resulting in flood-like conditions in its lower regions.
According to Dawn newspaper, after midnight on Wednesday at 2 am, both the Chenab River at Head Marala and the Ravi River at Head Jassar crossed the danger mark, causing floods in these areas. The Head Khanki and Head Qadirabad on the Chenab are also expected to exceed dangerous levels within the next 24 hours. Authorities fear that the Ravi River may cause extensive damage. Emergency situations have arisen in several districts, including Lahore and Kasur.
In Kasur district, 72 villages and 45,000 residents have been affected. Thousands more have been impacted in the Sutlej Basin, including Pakpattan, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, and Bahawalpur. Officials stated that 14,000 people and 17,000 livestock have been moved to safe locations. The PDMA has also deployed 130 boats, 115 outboard motors, 500 rescue workers, 1,300 life jackets, and 1,600 tents. Rescue 1122 reported that 28,055 people have been evacuated from Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, and Vehari. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has ordered immediate drainage of water from riverbeds and drains, especially the Deg drain.
Meanwhile, Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed has issued a landslide warning for Murree and Galiyat. According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, the army has been deployed to assist district administrations in Lahore, Faisalabad, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, and Okara. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik warned that nearly 45 percent of Pakistan’s 7,500 glaciers are melting rapidly. This year’s devastating floods have been largely caused by glacier melt. He added that the current monsoon is expected to continue until 10 September and has claimed nearly 800 lives across the country so far.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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