Homes destroyed, people displaced by flood in Bahawalpur

BAHAWALPUR: A flood in the Sutlej River after India released water into it has displaced over 162,000 people in Bahawalpur, Punjab province, Pakistan.

The flood water has inundated standing crops on over 57,000 acres of land, causing billions of rupees in losses to farmers. Over 3,500 houses have also been damaged.

Rescue 1122 has evacuated hundreds of people from flooded areas to safer places. The district administration has set up relief camps for the displaced people.

District Emergency Officer Dr Baqir Hussain said that the flood water has wreaked havoc in 79 Mauza Jaat of Bahawalpur. Three mauza jaat have been completely devastated, while 69 mauza jaat have suffered partial damage.

He said that the rescue operation is ongoing and more people are expected to be evacuated.

The government has announced relief measures for the affected people. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the authorities to provide immediate relief to the displaced people.

Read more: Sutlej River floods penetrate Bahawalpur, massive devastation feared

The government and the relief agencies are working to provide assistance to the affected people.