LAHORE: Punjab is facing its worst flooding in nearly four decades after Indian water terrorism by weaponizing water and released water into rivers and heavy monsoon rains lashed the region.
Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has said that floods in Punjab claimed at least 20 lives, mostly in drowning-related incidents while over 1,839 houses damaged in floods.
He further revealed that over 1,461,398 people were affected by unwarranted release of India in Pakistani rivers. He added that 474 flood relief camps established in different areas to rovide relief to affected people.
Provicial head of the disaster managing authprity has said that the provincial governemnt has established 351 medical camps and 300 veterinary camps to provide releies to people amd their livestock.
As many as 467,564 people have been evacuated to safer areas, while 346,698 animals also rescued and evacuated, and floods cause 25 deaths so far while three buildings were reported damaged.
In Jhang, a massive flood surge has entered River Chenab, prompting the district administration to put all departments on high alert.
In Tehsil Athara Hazari, announcements are being made near protective embankments to evacuate shops as a precautionary measure. Officials recalled that during the devastating 2014 floods, the embankment had to be breached to reduce pressure.
He said that Ravi River continues in high flood while PDMA reported on Friday that River Ravi remains in a state of very high flood, with heavy flows passing through key points.
At Ravi Siphon, the water discharge has reached 202,428 cusecs, while at Shahdara the flow stands at 201,400 cusecs, according to PDMA officials.
Officials confirmed a gradual decrease in the Ravi’s flow. At Kot Nainan, the river flow is recorded at 62,600 cusecs, while at Jassar, it has reached 85,980 cusecs, marking a medium-level flood. Smaller tributaries are also swollen, with 2,756 cusecs in Nallah Baeen and 10,000 cusecs in Nallah Auj.
Authorities remain on alert as the river maintains extremely high flood levels, posing threats to surrounding low-lying areas.
Authorities warn that extremely high flood levels in Chenab could force another decision to break protective bunds if water pressure continues to rise. Deputy Commissioner Jhang said shopkeepers and residents are being notified, and the situation is being monitored closely to safeguard lives.
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