Section 144 imposed in areas along Sutlej River

Kasur: The district administration of Lahore on Saturday  imposed section 144 in the areas along river Sutlej under which the evacuation of every person from the flood affected villages is mandatory.

In a statement, Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Randhawa said Police is also being deployed to protect the vacated villages.

He said out of fifteen villages, four villages are without electricity and 92 percent of the population has been evacuated from nine villages.

Earlier, Punjab's caretaker Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi  expressed his worry over the situation, highlighting the need for comprehensive efforts to mitigate damages caused by this flood, which he had deemed as "unprecedented in 35 years."

According to the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), the river has reached an "extremely high flood level" at Ganda Singh Wala. Anticipations indicate that Sulemanki Headworks is likely to experience a "high to very high flood level" within the upcoming 24 hours (Saturday-Sunday). The Islam Headworks is also predicted to encounter a high flood level by August 22.

In a social media post, Naqvi shared that a significant volume of water, approximately "278,000 cusecs," is heading towards the Ganda Singh border in Kasur. He assured that the government is vigilantly monitoring the evolving situation.

Monitoring the River Satluj flood situation closely as 278,000 cusecs of water rush near Ganda Singh Border, Kasur because of water discharge from indian side.
Visited flood-affected areas and relief camps today. Appreciation for district Administration,Rescue 1122, Police, and… pic.twitter.com/XseySdqFXk

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) August 19, 2023

Having visited the flood-affected regions and relief camps, Naqvi extended appreciation to the district administration, Rescue 1122, Police, and Irrigation teams for their continuous efforts over the past three days. Despite the unprecedented nature of this flood, Naqvi affirmed that dedicated teams are on the ground to ensure the security and assistance of the affected population. He expressed resolve that together, the challenge will be overcome.

Addressing journalists later, Naqvi reported that floodwaters measuring 10 to 12 feet had inundated several villages in Kasur, leading to the evacuation of numerous residents. As a safety measure, Section 144 has been enforced to relocate residents to relatively secure locations.

Naqvi emphasized that the Lahore commissioner and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) officials are alert and committed to executing rescue and relief operations effectively.