Punjab Rivers Overflow, Triggering Severe Flooding; Sindh Issues Alert
ES Mag:
LAHORE/ISLAMABAD/MULTAN – Widespread and heavy rains hampered rescue efforts in many flood-hit districts of the Punjab province on Saturday as water level continue to rise in major rivers, increasing the risk of further high flooding.
Dozens of snake-bite cases are being reported in flood hit districts. The death toll from severe floods sweeping the Punjab province has risen to 30. More than 481,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas and moved to safe locations.
“The northeastern belt of Punjab is currently experiencing sustained rainfall, which has caused flood-like conditions in several areas. It means water levels are rising, relief operations are being hampered, and the risk of further flooding is high as the rain continues,” a top official of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab told reporters on Saturday.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, a senior minister in Punjab’s provincial government, said 68,477 people had been rescued over the past 36 hours.
According to officials, relief operations expedited in Jhang as water from the Chenab River inundated over one hundred and thirty villages in the district.
In the suburban area of Jhang, the main gate of the shrine of Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA) has also been closed. However, visitors are being allowed entry through alternative gates.
According to official sources, the water flow at Chund Bridge has reached five hundred and fifty thousand cusec, while at Head Trimmu it stands at one hundred and forty-seven thousand cusec. Authorities confirmed that all protective embankments across the district remain safe, with the Irrigation Department and other agencies on high alert.
Heavy machinery had been deployed at sensitive points to ensure the security of protective dykes. Rescue teams are in the field to extend all possible assistance to the flood-affected people besides ensuring immediate provision of food and other essential supplies.
About Author
