PM orders rapid evacuations as floods impact Setlej, Ravi and Chenab

Islamabad/ Lahore:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a meeting on Tuesday to review the situation of floods throughout the country and ongoing aid operations. The session focused on the impact of floods in several regions, particularly on Punjab, where the growing waters of the Sutlej River have caused a generalized interruption.

“Rescue operations must accelerate in the districts affected by Punjab floods,” he directed, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He also ordered an accelerated evacuation of individuals trapped in the affected areas and emphasized the importance of guaranteeing the timely supply of food, medicines and tents for those in need.

Prime Minister Shehbaz instructed the President of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to maintain close contact with the Punjab Disaster Management Authority for coordinated efforts.

According to an informative session during the meeting, flood warnings for the Sutlej river had been issued in advance, which allowed the evacuation of residents of the surrounding areas. As a result, until now no victims of the affected regions of the river have been informed.

In total, more than 174,000 people have been safely relocated in a higher field, with rescue operations that continue in the districts of worse blow. The efforts are also underway in the District of Nareowal, where the waters of the floods of the Bund Lahri have caused the evacuation of the residents.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, energy restoration efforts are underway in areas affected by floods, while the National Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan remains submerged for a two-kilometer section, with the ongoing recovery efforts.

The meeting also observed severe floods in areas such as Guondasinghwala on the Sutlej River, Jaister on the Ravi and Marala River on the Chenab River. In addition, the Dek Nullah region is experiencing intense floods.

Federal ministers for planning, climate change, communications, power, information, religious issues and senior government officials attended the meeting to discuss the operations and ongoing aid strategies for flood management.

PDMA issues flood warning for Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej

Meanwhile, the general director of the Provincial Disaster Authority (PDMA) PUNJAB, Irfan Ali Kathia, warned about the increase in water levels in the key rivers in the province, which raises concerns about possible floods.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kathia reported that water levels in the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers have constantly increased, while torrents and streams in the region are also experiencing floods.

“There is a high risk of flooding in these rivers in the next 48 hours,” Kathia said. It further warned the possibility of sudden floods in the torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan hill, urging local authorities to remain vigilant.

The Help Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed confirmed that the provincial government has established flood relief camps in the affected areas, ensuring that they are equipped with essential facilities to support the people already displaced people at risk.

On the other hand, the authorities are on maximum alert, with efforts to improve preparation and coordinate flood relief operations throughout the province. Floods in these rivers are expected to raise significant challenges for local communities, particularly in low areas.

The Lahore district administration has also raised a maximum alert, since water levels are expected to increase significantly for the next 48 hours, potentially threatening low areas.

The authorities have ordered residents of vulnerable areas to immediately evacuate and relocate in safer places. 1122 rescue teams are on hold, with a relief and medical camps established in regions that are probably affected by growing floods.

A control room has been established at the Deputy Commissioner’s office to monitor the situation during the day. Local administration is also cleaning obstructions on the Ravi River to guarantee soft water flow and avoid possible locks.

“We are taking all the necessary measures to guarantee the safety of our citizens,” said Lahore’s deputy commissioner in a statement. He added that cattle owners have received instructions to transfer their animals to higher land, and all relevant departments have been put on alert with the staff and machinery available 24 hours a day.

The administration urged the public to ignore rumors and trust only the official instructions. In case of emergency, residents have been advised to communicate with the control room at 0307-0002345 or 1122 rescue.

NDMA emits a great rain warning

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning for heavy rains in several Districts of Punjab and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) in the next twelve hours.

The notice comes with a broader alert for possible urban floods and flooding in low areas, urging residents to remain vigilant. The authorities have warned that heavy rain can lead to the overflow of currents and floods in vulnerable areas.

In particular, mountainous regions run the risk of dirt landslides and sudden floods due to intensified climatic conditions. “Citizens should avoid unnecessary trips and stay away from rivers and currents,” said an NDMA spokesman, urging the public to take the necessary precautions.

The NDMA has recommended after the official instructions, which will be transmitted through television, radio, mobile alerts and the NDMA disaster alert application. The authorities are on maximum alert, with emergency measures coordinated in the affected districts to mitigate the impact of the early weather system.