Lahore (Web Desk): The Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia, has reported a continuous rise in water levels across the rivers of Punjab.
In a statement, he said that the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej Rivers are experiencing increasing water levels, while hill torrents and streams are also facing flood conditions. He cautioned that the coming forty-eight hours could witness severe flooding in these rivers.
The DG PDMA also highlighted the danger of flash floods occurring in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan.
In a related development, Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed announced that the provincial government has set up flood relief camps in vulnerable areas, ensuring they are equipped with essential facilities to support those affected.
Taking notice of the situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to accelerate rescue operations in districts impacted by flooding, especially due to the current situation on the River Sutlej.
According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier emphasized the immediate evacuation of people trapped in flood-affected regions and their transfer to safer locations.
Given the flood conditions at Ganda Singh Wala along the Sutlej River, PM Shehbaz has called for heightened safety protocols and stricter monitoring measures.
He also directed authorities to guarantee the provision of food, medical supplies, and tents to those affected by the floods.
The prime minister urged the NDMA Chairman to maintain close coordination with the PMDA Punjab to ensure an effective response.
Earlier in the day, the PDMA Punjab stated that 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, 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.
Meanwhile, the NDMA has issued a warning forecasting heavy rainfall across several districts of Punjab and Azad Jammu & Kashmir within the next 12 hours.
This alert comes alongside a broader advisory regarding the risk of urban flooding and waterlogging in lower-lying areas. Authorities have also cautioned about the potential overflow of streams and the possibility of flooding in vulnerable zones, especially in hilly areas where landslides and flash floods pose significant threats.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, keep a safe distance from rivers and streams, and adhere strictly to official guidance disseminated through television, radio broadcasts, mobile notifications, and the NDMA Disaster Alert app.