Bahawalpur: The mighty surge of the Sutlej River’s floodwaters has breached defenses, inundating Bahawalpur with catastrophic consequences.
A striking symbol of this calamity is the Empress Bridge, an icon spanning the river, now submerged under an astounding 10 feet of water – a level not witnessed for 13 years.
This unparalleled rise owes itself to the deluge of torrential floods, leaving a trail of widespread havoc in its wake.
Reports confirm an astonishing discharge of around 130,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water hurtling through the Empress Bridge. This awe-inspiring yet disconcerting sight captures the attention of onlookers.
The relentless power of these floodwaters has overwhelmed multiple dams along its course, leaving behind an aftermath of immeasurable destruction. Countless villages now lie submerged, necessitating swift rescue operations to relocate the displaced populace.
Agricultural terrain shares in the vulnerability, as floodwaters breach a temporary dam near the Sutlej River’s banks. The consequence: vast stretches of fertile fields now lie submerged, endangering the livelihoods of local farmers.
Apprehensions of a major disaster loomed as floodwaters surged from Islam Headworks toward Bahawalpur. Regrettably, the district administration’s mitigation efforts proved inadequate. Defensive dams remained unfortified, and preparations for sheltering the displaced were conspicuously lacking. Even portions of Bahawalpur city confront dire threats as the unceasing rise of water goes unchecked.
In the midst of this crisis, authorities grapple to orchestrate a response. Emergency teams work tirelessly to safeguard the affected residents, confronting challenges posed by the relentless floodwaters. The situation remains fluid, and endeavors to manage and mitigate the catastrophe persist as water levels continue their relentless ascent.
