ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): In a recent telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, expressed his deepest sympathies regarding recent floods in various regions of Pakistan.
President Erdoğan communicated the solidarity of Turkiye on behalf of Pakistani people regarding loss of life and property due to catastrophic floods and assured that Ankara will be available to offer all possible aid for relief efforts.
Prime Minister Sharif appreciated Turkish President’s warm sentiments and kind gesture of support and stated that the call portrays the close, deep, and fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Turkey. He reiterated that the two countries have always been shoulder to shoulder.
The two leaders also touched upon their previous conversations earlier this year and their forthcoming meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China.
Punjab Floods
Punjab is witnessing catastrophic floods as Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers overflow to “exceptionally high” levels following India’s release of water from its dams and incessant monsoon rains.
According to officials, more than 32,500 residents have already been evacuated, and the army has been sent out in eight districts to help in emergency operations.
Sialkot witnessed 49 years’ highest rainfall, and more showers are predicted in the province. Country’s key Headworks at Qadirabad, Khanki, Jassar, and Ganda Singh Wala are at critical flood level, while even dried-out riverbeds have been flooded. Specialists warn that downstream cities such as Lahore, Kasur, Bahawalpur, and Sialkot are at risk of severe damage if water levels increase further.
Met Office had alerted to extremely high floods in Sindh through September 4–5, and climate experts warn that this may just be the start. Masood Lohar, one of Pakistan’s foremost climate change specialists, termed the floods as “nature’s fury” and warned of gargantuan devastation in Punjab and the Indus Delta.
