DG PDMA warns of rising flood threat in coming 24 hours

Lahore: DGPDMA (Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority) Irfan Ali Kathia has stated that the water level at Head Balloki on the Ravi River is peaking, and the risk may increase further over the next 24 hours.

During a press briefing in Lahore, the DGPDMA said that on the 1st (of the month), 700,000 cusecs of water will reach Head Trimmu, and water from the Ravi and Chenab rivers will enter Head Shershah and Head Sulemani. By September 4, all this water will reach Head Panjnad.

The DGPDMA said that Punjab is currently experiencing a historic flood, with 2,200 villages affected so far, and 33 deaths reported due to the flooding.

He stated that the ninth spell of monsoon has caused significant destruction in Punjab. Alongside riverine flooding, the province is also dealing with urban flooding. According to their reports, around 2 million people have been affected, and the government is providing all necessary facilities to these individuals. The Pakistan Army has assisted in rescue efforts, and efforts have also been made to ensure the safety of livestock.

He further added that Maryam Nawaz has emphasized that the protection of human lives is the top priority, which is why district administrations are continuously present at riverbanks and monitoring the situation closely.

The DGPDMA informed that the water flow at the Sutlej River has decreased, with 154,000 cusecs of water currently at Head Sulemani, and 100,000 cusecs near Bahawalpur.

He concluded by saying that if the water level decreases over the next 6 to 7 days, further work can be carried out in the affected areas. Their primary focus is on submerged regions, with efforts underway to clear them as soon as possible.