Nearly 150,000 relocated to safer areas from flood-prone regions in Punjab: NDMA 

Islamabad (Web Desk): Nearly 150,000 people have so far responded to advance warnings issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which had alerted the public about increasing water levels and the risk of flooding in several areas.

Taking swift action on NDMA’s advisory, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab launched widespread evacuation efforts in flood-prone regions, particularly after the Sutlej River began to overflow. Emergency crews were dispatched, and relevant departments were placed on high alert to ensure the protection of human lives and property.

According to data released by the NDMA, the evacuation numbers are significant, with 89,868 people relocated from Bahawalnagar, 14,140 from Kasur, 2,063 from Okara, 873 from Pakpattan, 361 from Bahawalpur, and 165 from Vehari.

The authority further noted that approximately 40,000 individuals had already shifted to secure areas soon after the first alerts were communicated.

To manage the developing situation, the NDMA has directed all relevant institutions and emergency units to remain on full alert.

Separately, PDMA Punjab has warned of very high flood levels in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers within the next 48 hours as monsoon rains across various regions of Punjab and Sindh have created a dangerously escalating flood situation.

As per the reports, the Chenab River is witnessing severe flooding, particularly at Ganda Singh Wala, where the water flow has exceeded 195,000 cusecs—categorised as an extremely high flood. At Head Sulaimanki, a moderate flood has been recorded with inflow reaching 104,000 cusecs and outflow at 98,000 cusecs.

Similarly, the Ravi River is showing signs of distress. At the Jassar point, water flow has risen to 90,000 cusecs, indicating a moderate flood, while at Shahdara, the river is flowing at 40,000 cusecs.

In light of the worsening conditions, district administrations have begun evacuation operations with the support of Rangers, the Pakistan Army, and local police. Leaves for emergency response personnel have been canceled, and residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas have been urged to evacuate immediately.

Meanwhile, in Sindh, the situation remains equally concerning. At the Kotri Barrage, a low-level flood has been recorded with water inflow at 217,490 cusecs.

A moderate flood is currently underway at the Sukkur Barrage, while low-level flooding is also being reported at Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma, and Guddu barrages.

Relief and rescue operations are in full swing across the affected regions. Temporary shelters are being set up, and authorities are maintaining a high-alert status as further rainfall is expected.

Citizens have been strongly advised to stay away from rivers, canals, and low-lying zones, avoid unnecessary travel, and adhere strictly to safety guidance broadcast through television, radio, mobile alerts, and the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app.