LAHORE (Kashmir English): The authorities have declared a flood emergency in Punjab after heavy rains and rivers overflowing.
According to the administration, the right marginal embankment of Qadirabad Barrage was breached with explosives to save its structure due to water pressure.
The district administration has informed the public that this step has been taken to safely break the dam. The local administration has issued instructions to the public to leave their villages as soon as possible and move to safer places.
Rescue officials have further said that local people will have to take immediate steps to protect themselves and their families.
Flood Situation Update
- The National Emergency Operations Center has issued a high-level emergency alert for Punjab’s three major rivers: Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej, due to unusually high flood levels and heavy water flow.
- Over 174,000 people have been evacuated from inundated districts in Punjab, with rescue operations ongoing in flood-hit areas.
- The Ravi River is swelling rapidly at Jassar, carrying 170,000 cusecs of water, which is projected to surge to 250,000 cusecs.
- The Chenab River at Marala could see a staggering 690,000 cusecs, while the Sutlej River near Kasur is already flowing at 245,000 cusecs.¹
Safety Precautions
- Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from power lines and open manholes, and follow evacuation instructions.
- Local authorities have set up flood relief camps, and rescue teams are actively evacuating residents.
- The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of continued rainfall and potential flash floods in the coming days.² ³
