PM orders swift evacuations as floods impact Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab
Sharif told over 174,000 people safely relocated, with rescue operations ongoing in worst-hit areas
ISLAMABAD/ LAHORE
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday chaired a meeting to review the flood situation across the country and the ongoing relief operations. The session focused on the impact of flooding in various regions, particularly in Punjab, where the Sutlej River’s rising waters have caused widespread disruption.
“Rescue operations must be accelerated in the flood-affected districts of Punjab,” he directed, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He also ordered an expedited evacuation of individuals trapped in the affected areas and emphasised the importance of ensuring the timely supply of food, medicine, and tents to those in need.
PM Shehbaz instructed the chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to maintain close contact with the Disaster Management Authority of Punjab for coordinated efforts. According to a briefing during the meeting, flood warnings for the Sutlej River had been issued in advance, allowing for the evacuation of residents from surrounding areas. As a result, no casualties have been reported from the river’s affected regions so far.
In total, over 174,000 people have been safely relocated to higher ground, with rescue operations continuing in the worst-hit districts. Efforts are also underway in Narowal district, where floodwaters from the Lahri Bund have prompted the evacuation of residents.
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, power restoration efforts are underway in flood-hit areas, while the national highway in Gilgit-Baltistan remains submerged over a two-kilometre stretch, with recovery efforts ongoing. The meeting also noted severe flooding in areas such as Gundasinghwala on the Sutlej River, Jaister on the Ravi River, and Marala on the Chenab River. Furthermore, the Dek Nullah region is experiencing intense flooding.
Federal ministers for Planning, Climate Change, Communications, Power, Information, Religious Affairs, and senior government officials attended the meeting to discuss the ongoing relief operations and strategies for flood management.
PDMA issues flood warning for Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej
Meanwhile, Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia, has warned of rising water levels in key rivers in the province, raising concerns over potential flooding.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kathia reported that water levels in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej Rivers have been steadily increasing, while hill torrents and streams in the region are also experiencing flooding.
“There is a high risk of flood in these rivers over the next 48 hours,” Kathia said. He further cautioned of the possibility of flash flooding in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, urging local authorities to remain vigilant.
Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed confirmed that the provincial government has set up flood relief camps in affected areas, ensuring they are equipped with essential facilities to support displaced individuals and those at risk.
On the other hand, authorities are on high alert, with efforts to enhance preparedness and coordinate flood relief operations across the province. Flooding in these rivers is expected to pose significant challenges to local communities, particularly in low-lying areas.
