Rescue and evacuation operations under way as Sutlej River flooding peaks

LAHORE: Rescue and evacuation operations were in full swing on Sunday as parts of Punjab faced the brunt of high to very high-level flooding along the Sutlej River at two key junctures.

The Sutlej River surged to “extremely high levels” at Ganda Singh Wala Barrage on Saturday, prompting the displacement of hundreds of families from 72 villages in the Kasur and Chunian regions.

Tragically, three individuals lost their lives in Kasur while attempting to seek refuge on higher ground amidst the floodwaters.

According to the 5pm update from the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), the flood level in the river at Ganda Singh Wala had receded to a very high level. Additionally, the FFD confirmed a high-level flood at Sulemanki Headworks, consistent with yesterday’s forecast.

In earlier hours today, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) alerted that the water level at Sulemanki in Sutlej was continuously rising. The flood was anticipated to impact 56 locations in the Okara district.

PDMA Director General Imran Qureshi was cited in the statement, announcing the provision of 36 boats to relevant authorities for evacuation operations. Within the past 24 hours, these operations had facilitated the relocation of 1,420 individuals from the area to secure zones.

The PDMA’s engagement extended to the protection of livestock, with concerted efforts aimed at moving animals to safe havens. A predicted 30,448 acres of land in the vicinity were susceptible to flooding, according Dawn.

Medical aid was not overlooked either, as the statement disclosed the setup of 11 medical camps. These camps, serviced by mobile health teams, catered to the health needs of the affected population.

Furthermore, the statement emphasised the presence of Punjab police personnel in the region to ensure security and maintain law and order.

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All departments were urged to remain vigilant and responsive to the evolving situation.

Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 authorities in Multan relayed that their teams were tirelessly engaged in rescue operations across Okara, Pakpattan, and Vehari districts. These operations were conducted under the guidance of relevant district emergency officers. A total of three boats and 21 rescuers were actively participating in the ongoing operations, moving residents, including women and children, to safe havens. The teams also took proactive measures to safeguard animals from the flood-affected zones.

In a separate statement, Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed’s office affirmed his directive for local administration officials to be actively present in the field. Negligence was sternly warned against, with a reminder that all concerned departments must remain on high alert to ensure the safety of lives and properties.

The statement emphasized the necessity of providing essentials such as food, shelter, water, and medicines to affected citizens. To tackle emergency situations, citizens were advised to contact the PDMA through their 1129 helpline.