Chenab, Ravi torrents may cause more trouble: DG PDMA warns

Lahore: Director General of Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia, has warned that the flow of water on the three rivers of Punjab is very fast. The Chenab and Ravi floods can cause further concern.

While informing the press in Lahore about the latest flood situation, Irfan Ali Kathia said that 175,000 cusecs of water were recorded at Head Marala, while the flow of water is increasing at Trimu Head Works. Approximately 830,000 cusecs of water are expected to pass through Trimu tomorrow morning.

Irfan Ali Kathia stated that the water from Trimu will reach Head Muhammad Wala, which will merge into Chenab via Kabir Wala. The flow of 200,000 cusecs has reached the Ravi River at Balloki. The flow of water in Balloki is likely to reach 220,000 cusecs and decrease.

He added that the torrent at Head Muhammad Wala is likely to reach about 0.75 to 0.8 million cusecs. We may have to make a crack at Head Muhammad Wala, and the water will go to Sher Shah Bridge. The situation of the Sher Shah Bridge is being reviewed. A influx of 0.8 million will reach Head Panjnad at Alipur on September 4. A large rail of about 0.9 million cusecs is likely to reach Muzaffargarh on September 4.

The DG PDMA further said that rescue and relief operations are ongoing in Punjab. The biggest operation in the history of Punjab was carried out by Rescue 1122. The Pakistan Army also provided exemplary help in rescuing the people of Punjab.

He also stated that there is no delay in the rescue process, all kinds of rescue operations are underway, rescue operations are being ensured in the areas where the rail is passing, and 22 villages adjacent to the Sutlej River have been evacuated.

Irfan Ali Kathia said that the Chenab and Ravi rail could cause more trouble. The flooded rail is moving towards Head Sulemanki. Timely decisions were taken to save the headworks, bridges, and barrages.