Jhelum: Tributes pour in for drowned constable

JHELUM: Constable Haider Ali Hussain lost his life during rescue operations in Jhelum district as severe flooding followed heavy rainfall.

The policeman was swept away by the floodwaters while assisting evacuations. His body was recovered after 24 hours.

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The constable was laid to rest with full honours, with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab expressing his condolences. The IGP Punjab pledged support for the martyred policeman’s family/

In response to the flooding in Jhelum and surrounding areas, local police, first responders and military personnel engaged in extensive evacuation efforts.

The Punjab government declared a state of emergency as the situation worsened. The provincial disaster management authority (PDMA) reported 61 fatalities and 268 injuries across the country’s most populous country.

Several villages in Jhelum were affected, forcing urgent rescue efforts.

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During an operation in the Chotala area, a tractor trolley carrying six police officers overturned due to strong currents while they were evacuating locals.

A policeman confirmed that the water flow intensified unexpectedly, contributing to the loss of Constable Hussain. Search operations included drone surveillance and diving teams.

Thanks to the combined efforts, over 400 people and even their livestock were successfully rescued.

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Rescue teams have saved over half a thousand people from different affected regions. The rescue operations involved several departments.

High flood levels were reported in several areas across Punjab. Flash floods from the Salt Range caused Significant road erosion in Pind Dadan Khan and surrounding areas, while landslides complicated transportation routes.