A rescue operation is currently underway in Kasur district, Punjab, following the flooding of several villages due to the overflow of the Sutlej River, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Imran Qureshi, Director General of PDMA, reported that floodwater had affected 15 villages along the Sutlej River, with four villages losing electricity. The floods have also caused extensive damage to standing crops across acres of farmland.
The recent torrential downpours in the catchment areas of the Sutlej and Ravi rivers in India have led to increased water release downstream, affecting areas in Pakistan. The Meteorological Department has forecasted another spell of monsoon rains in the upper and central parts of Pakistan from July 13 to 17.
To ensure the safety of the affected residents, 11,000 people from 11 villages have been relocated to safer locations. The district administration has established 11 relief camps with a capacity of accommodating 5,000 to 3,000 people. So far, there have been no reported casualties, and over 1,100 rescue personnel have been deployed to assist in the evacuation process. The authorities prioritize the protection of people’s lives and will continue their rescue efforts.
The Flood Forecasting Division has reported that the Sutlej River is flowing at a medium-level flood at Ganda Singh Wala in Kasur and at a low-level flood at Sulemanki headworks. However, the flow in the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, and Ravi rivers remains within normal levels.
As a precautionary measure, a high alert has been issued in the districts of Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, and Wazirabad. Rescue and relief camps have been set up in these areas, and additional personnel have been deployed to address the challenges effectively.
During a visit to district Jhang, Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi was informed about the impact of river Chenab water on over 40 villages in the district. He stressed the need for expediting rescue operations and instructed the local administration to ensure that rescue teams have access to all affected villages. Naqvi emphasized the responsibility of the district administration to provide essential supplies, including medicines and food, to the affected population.
The new monsoon spell poses a risk of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, and Lahore due to heavy rainfall, according to Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman. She urged citizens to take necessary precautions and advised tourists to exercise caution in hilly areas prone to landslides.