Lahore (Web Desk): The flooding crisis in Punjab has eased significantly as water levels in the province’s major rivers have largely stabilised, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Director General (DG) PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia said on Saturday that the flow of water has returned to normal at most points and flood-hit regions have seen a considerable drop in levels.
Latest figures shared by the PDMA reported the Sutlej carrying 104,000 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala and 81,000 cusecs at Sulemanki. On the Chenab, Marala registered 42,000 cusecs, Khanki Headworks 44,000, Qadirabad 37,000, and Trimmu 41,000, while Panjnad recorded 133,000 cusecs.
The Ravi showed flows of 8,000 cusecs at Jassar, 9,000 at Shahdara, 31,000 at Balloki Headworks, and 29,000 at Sidhnai Headworks.
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed pointed out that Mangla Dam had reached 96 percent of its capacity and Tarbela was already full. Across the border, India’s Bhakra Dam stood at 88 percent capacity, Pong Dam at 99 percent, and Thein Dam at 90 percent.
He cautioned that although river conditions were improving, the devastation caused by the floods was severe, with more than 4,700 villages affected and over 4.7 million people impacted.
The PDMA confirmed that 127 people had lost their lives in flood-related incidents. Javed added that, under the chief minister’s directives, compensation would be distributed to those affected after a survey to calculate losses, with the process designed to remain simple and transparent.
The relief commissioner detailed ongoing aid work, stating that tent cities were established in 19 villages of Alipur to provide shelter to displaced families.
Food, clean water, dry rations, and fodder for livestock were being delivered to areas around the Kotla Akar and Khanwan flood embankments, including Azmat Pur, Bet Mala Wali, Basti Kundrala, Bet Noor Wala, Lal Wala, Tibba Tiya Wali, Bet Chanan, Peepal Wala, Langrawan, Maseen Four, Kundai, Kotla Ghulam Shah, and Sarki. Families housed in camps at Ghulwan near Chander Bhan and Lakhan Bela were also receiving assistance.
Each settlement has been equipped with field hospitals, “Clinic on Wheels” facilities, sanitation units, and medical teams to ensure health services for the displaced.
Javed said meals were being provided three times a day, along with milk, mosquito repellent, and safe drinking water, while fodder was also supplied for animals.
He added that deputy commissioners and local representatives were supervising the distribution of supplies, with water tankers dispatched to ensure a steady supply to affected zones, including tent cities in Alipur, Seetpur, Uch Sharif, Ahmedpur East, and other locations.
He reported that 319 relief camps and 407 medical camps were operating in badly-hit districts, accommodating more than 2.6 million relocated people.
For livestock protection, 356 veterinary camps had been set up and over two million animals shifted to safer ground. Javed reiterated that once surveys were finalised, compensation would be released swiftly through a transparent process.