Punjab considers closure of schools in flood-hit areas

LAHORE: Due to floods in rivers Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej, Punjab authorities are considering closing schools in affected districts for one week.

In this regard a meeting was held which was chaired by Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman at the PDMA committee room.

Provincial Health Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique and Khawaja Imran Nazir joined via video link. Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed and PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia were also present.

It was decided to deploy additional administrative officers in the affected districts. Closing schools in the flood affected areas was also discussed, however no final decision was made in this regard till the filing of this report.

Authorities also decided to breach the Rawaz bridge to protect Jhang and Chiniot. Orders were issued to evacuate river belt areas of Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, and Toba Tek Singh immediately.

“Clinic on Wheels” units have been dispatched to the flood-hit areas. The Chief Secretary said all rescue and relief demands were being met as per the Chief Minister’s instructions.

Punjab on high alert as Ravi floodwaters recede in Lahore, new surges expected downstream

He directed the establishment of tent villages in the affected areas with all basic and medical facilities.

Meanwhile, in Lahore’s Talat Park area, floodwater entered residential neighbourhoods, trapping people inside their homes. Rescue workers are evacuating people and livestock using boats.

In Jhalalpur Bhattian, the bridge on Wanike Tarar Road was washed away by the flood. Traffic on the vital road connecting Wazirabad has been disrupted.

PAKISTAN ARMY CONTINUES RELIEF OPERATIONS

Pakistan Army continues relief operations along the Sutlej and Ravi rivers. People are being shifted to safe locations in Lahore, Head Sulemanki, and Attari areas.

In Kasur, civil administration and the Pakistan Army have set up 21 relief camps.

So far, 18,000 people and their livestock have been evacuated. An administrative camp in Mandi Ahmadabad is providing facilities to the flood victims.