Over 200 rescued in Tehsil Shakargarh

SHAKARGARH: More than 200 residents of Tehsil Shakargarh were rescued by Punjab Rangers and Rescue 1122 from flash floods caused by the excessive water released by India on Monday.

India released at least 185,000 cusecs of water in River Ravi on Sunday.

At least 223 people, including women and children, were brought to safety by the rescue teams after they were left stranded with water level rising around them.

Jalala, a village on the border, was one of the main areas affected by the floodwater, leaving crops damaged, cultivated paddy submerged and farmers trapped.

Excessive water from India reached Kartarpur Jassar through Naina Kot and is expected to reach Lahore via Shahdara in the next 48 hours. There is also flooding in River Ravi, Nullah Baeen and other tributaries.

The administration, as per officials, is on alert in the districts adjacent to River Ravi and Chenab, while relief camps have been set up in various districts in view of the floods.

According to Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), there is moderate flooding in Chenab at Marala as well as Shakargarh and Nullah Baeen, low-level flood in Khanki and Kadirabad in Chenab, while the flow of water in other rivers, including Ravi is normal.

The flow of water in all rivers, barrages, dams and canals is being continuously monitored. A control room is monitoring the situation in Punjab.

The National Disaster Management Authority has also issued an update on the present status of floods stating that as per the latest flow data from Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters (PCIW) and Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) Akhnoor is experiencing high flows.

However, Marala will experience rising of flows in next 12 hours which will climb from medium to high flows level, it added.

According to NDMA, Marala’s maximum level capacity is 1,100,000 cusecs, while its current level is medium at 170,000 cusecs. The water is expected to rise by 250,000 cusecs.

The NDMA has advised that low-lying areas already identified be warned for developing situation in case of need.

“Water regulation contingency for managing high flows be executed immediately to regulate water through link canals,” the authority added.

As per the NDMA, monitoring of developing situation and updates is being shared with local communities and relevant authorities at all levels.

“Line departments, Rescue 1122 and armed forces be placed on standby for responding immediately to any untoward situation,” the advisory mentioned.