Punjab faces one of the most severe flood emergencies in recent history as water levels continue to increase in the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers, displacing millions throughout the province.
The general director of the Provincial Disaster Authority (PDMA) of Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia, warned that the situation could get worse in the next 24 hours.
According to PDMA, the Chenab River flows to 215,000 CUSECs in Khanki Headworks and 203,000 Cusecs in Qadirabad, while the discharge in Trimmu Headworks has increased to 299,000 Cusec. In Chinast Bridge, flows of 282,000 Cusecs were reported, with officials that qualify the “stable” situation.
A discharge of 700,000 Cusecs in Trimmu is expected on September 1, while 800,000 CUSECs can go through Muhammadwala’s head. It is also likely that severe floods on the Sher Shah bridge.
By September 2, the Ravi River is expected to merge with the Chenab River, putting Khanewal and Kabirwala at high risk.
In fine, a large number of people remain in river areas along the Chenab River. Although the administration cut electricity for three days, residents have refused to leave. A large flood wave is expected to arrive in the Chenab River to arrive in the city tonight.
The Ravi has registered 204,000 Cusecs in Head Balloki, although the flows in Shahdara and Ravi Siphon have decreased. Meanwhile, the Sutlej River remains on a large flood with 253,000 CUSECs in Ganda Singh Wala, 154,000 Cusecs in Head Sulemanki, 68,000 Cusecs in Head Islam and 88,000 Cusecs in Panjnad Headworks.
Read: Floods are directed south after devastating Heartland
In Uch Sharif, the authorities said that the waters of the floods of the Sutlej, Chenab and Ravi rivers will arrive at the head of Panjnad, the last flood in southern Punjab, within the next 72 hours before merging into the Indo River. With a capacity of 865,000 CUSECS, the flood has been placed on maximum alert. The authorities said that floods could affect the districts of Bahawalpur and Muzaffarhrh, where evacuation ads have already been made.
In Muzaffarh, the attached commissioner Usman Tahir Jappa said that the increase in Chenab’s floods is expected to enter the district between September 2 and 3. In advance, 105 schools throughout the district have been closed until September 6, while a scheduled polyomyelitis vaccination campaign has been postponed. It is feared that floods affect 104 villages, with 18 relief camps established for displaced residents.
Schools to reopen in Lahore
Lahore’s deputy commissioner, Syed Musa Raza, has issued a notification that announces that all schools in the entire city will open again as of September 1.
According to the notification, the schools established in areas affected by floods and those that function as relief camps will remain closed for the moment.
The district administration advised parents and students to keep in touch with school administrations. He added that all schools must strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Department of School Education.
Read more: Flood can affect 1.65m in the district of 14 Sindh
Punjab fighting ‘Super Flood’
Punjab main minister, Marriyum Arangzeb, said Sunday that a “super flood” has affected Punjab, creating extraordinary conditions in the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, he said that all the Punjab government machinery was committed to saving lives. More than two million people have been affected by floods and around 750,000 people have been displaced, with 115,000 rescued with the help of boats, Marriyum Arangzeb informed the media.
Rescue institutions have also saved 500,000 cattle, while 400 veterinary camps have been established in Punjab. All schools have become relief camps.
Aurengzeb said that 2,207 villages had been affected, and another 1,000 is expected to be threatened. Districts such as Jhang, Fine, Muzaffarh, Okara, Toba Tek Singh and Vehari remain on a maximum alert, with government rescue agreements.
She confirmed 38 deaths related to floods caused by collapsers, electrocution and other incidents.
Private sector organizations and NGOs are helping, while medical camps and mobile clinics are providing health services. Help camps are supplying food, rations, water and medicines. Police have been put on alert after robbery reports in aid centers, while rescue operations are being supported with drones and thermal cameras.
The Edhi Foundation Rescue Miles
The Edhi Foundation team has relocated 8,352 people from Park View, Park Theme Sari, Maraka and Khurdpur to safe places, said an Edhi spokesman.
The team, active in Thokar Niaz Baig and its surroundings, also rescued animals, including dogs, cats and birds.
The rescue operations of the edhi marine team are still underway, confirmed the spokesman.
