PM orders Fast evacuations when floods affect sutlej, ravi and chenab

Islamabad/ Lahore:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday was chairman of a meeting to review the flood situation across the country and the ongoing relief operations. The session focused on the effect of flooding in different regions, especially in Punjab, where the rising waters of the Sutlej River have caused widespread disturbance.

“Rescue operations must be accelerated in the flooded -affected districts of Punjab,” he instructed, highlighting the urgent nature of the situation. He also ordered an accelerated evacuation of individuals trapped in the affected areas and emphasized the importance of ensuring the timely supply of food, medicine and tents for those in need.

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

According to a briefing during the meeting, flood warnings for the Sutlej River had been issued in advance, enabling the evacuation of residents from the surrounding areas. As a result, no losses from the river’s affected regions have not been reported so far.

In total, over 174,000 people have probably been moved to higher soil, with rescue operations that continue in the worst affected districts. There is also efforts in the Narowal district, where flooding water from Lahri Bund has led to the evacuation of the residents.

In the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, stream riding efforts are underway in flooding areas, while National Highway in Gilgit-Baltivity remains submerged over a two-kilometer stretch, with restoration efforts.

The meeting also noted serious floods in areas such as GundasingHwala on the Sutlej River, Jaists on the Ravi River and Marala on the Chenab River. In addition, the DEK Nullah region experiences intense flooding.

Federal ministers for planning, climate change, communication, power, information, religious affairs and senior officials attended the meeting to discuss the ongoing relief operations and strategies for flood management.

PDMA emits flood warning for Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej

Meanwhile, Director -General of Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia, has warned of rising water levels in key rivers in the province and raised concerns about potential floods.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Kathia reported that the water level in the rivers Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej has risen steadily, while Hill Torrents and streams in the region are also experiencing floods.

“There is a high risk of flooding in these rivers over the next 48 hours,” Kathia said. He also warned about the possibility of flash flooding in Bakken Torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and urged local authorities to remain vigilant.

Auxiliary Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed confirmed that the provincial government has established flooding camps in the affected areas, ensuring that they are equipped with essential facilities to support displaced persons and those at risk.

On the other hand, the authorities are in high attention with efforts to improve emergency preparedness and coordinate flooding operations throughout the province. Floods in these rivers are expected to pose significant challenges for local communities, especially in low -lying areas.

The Lahore District administration has also raised a high alarm as the water level in the Ravi River is expected to rise significantly over the next 48 hours, which potentially threatens low-lying areas.

Authorities have instructed residents of vulnerable zones to evacuate immediately and move to safer places. Rescue 1122 teams are in standby where relief and medical camps are created in regions that are likely to be affected by the rising flood water.

A control room has been set up in the Deputy Commissioner’s office to monitor the situation around the clock. The local administration also clears obstacles in the Ravi River to ensure smooth water flow and prevent potential blockages.

“We take all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of our citizens,” the Lahore Vice Commissioner said in a statement. He added that livestock owners have been instructed to move their animals to higher soil and all relevant departments have been brought on duty with staff and machines available 24 hours a day.

The administration urged the public to disregard rumors and only rely on official instructions. In emergencies, residents have been asked to contact the control room at. 0307-0002345 or save 1122.

NDMA emits heavy rain warning

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

The advice comes with a wider warning for possible urban floods and water counting in low -lying areas, which encourages residents to remain vigilant. Authorities have warned that the heavy rainfall can lead to the overflow of streams and floods in vulnerable zones.

In particular, hilly regions risk landslides and flash floods due to the intensified weather conditions. “Citizens should avoid unnecessary journeys and stay free of rivers and streams,” an NDMA spokesman advised and urged the public to take the necessary precautions.

NDMA has recommended following official instructions that will be broadcast via TV, radio, mobile alarms and the NDMA Disaster Alert app. Authorities are in high attention, with emergency measures coordinated across affected districts to mitigate the effect of the expected weather system.