ISLAMABAD: A joint rescue operation conducted by the Punjab Rangers and Rescue 1122 teams in Shakargarh Tehsil of Pakistan’s Punjab province on Monday successfully saved over 223 residents, including women and children, who were stranded due to rising water levels in the River Ravi. The operation was launched in response to the excessive water released by India a day earlier, which caused flash floods near the bordering village.
The collaborative efforts of the rescue teams ensured the safe evacuation of the stranded individuals, who were then relocated to secure locations. Meanwhile, the Punjab Rangers’ rescue team remained stationed in the border area to address the ongoing situation.
In addition to the rescue operation, the floodwaters originating from India have caused significant damage to crops in the border village of Jalala, Shakargarh. Local paddy farmers witnessed their cultivated crops being submerged, while they themselves remained trapped.
India released approximately 185,000 cusecs of water into the River Ravi on Sunday. As a result, the excessive water made its way to Kartarpur Jassar through Naina Kot and is expected to reach Lahore via Shahdara within the next 48 hours. Furthermore, flooding has been reported in the River Ravi, Nullah Baeen, and other tributaries.
High Alert in Pakistan
Authorities are on high alert in districts adjacent to the River Ravi and Chenab, with relief camps established in various areas in anticipation of further flooding. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported moderate flooding in Chenab at Marala and Shakargarh, and low-level flooding in Khanki and Kadirabad in Chenab. Water flow in other rivers, including the Ravi, is currently normal.
Continuous monitoring of water flow in all rivers, barrages, dams, and canals is being carried out. The control room is actively monitoring the entire situation in Punjab. Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi clarified on Sunday that there is no flood in the province, highlighting that India had released a similar amount of water into the Ravi last year, which reached Lahore at 31,000 cusecs.
Preparations for potential flooding in Dera Ghazi Khan have been completed, according to the chief minister. However, he stressed that settlements should not have been established inside the river and emphasized the removal of people settled on government lands.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an update, indicating that Akhnoor is experiencing high flows based on the latest flow data from the Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters and the Flood Forecasting Division. Marala is expected to experience rising flows in the next 12 hours, transitioning from medium to high flows. The NDMA has advised warning low-lying areas and executing water regulation contingencies to manage the high flows through link canals.
این ای او سی مون سون اپڈیٹ:
مختلف موسمیاتی ماڈلز کیمطابق شمال/شمال مشرقی پنجاب بشمول لاہور، سیالکوٹ نارووال میں بڑے پیمانے پر گرج چمک کیساتھ شدید بارش کا امکان ہے۔دریائے چناب، راوی ستلج اور منسلک نالوں بھمبر،ایک،دیگ،بین پلکھو و بسنتر میں درمیانے سے اونچے درجے کا سیلاب متوقع ہے. pic.twitter.com/fPZlOxSQ50— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) July 9, 2023
Monitoring of the developing situation is being shared with local communities and relevant authorities at all levels. Line departments, Rescue 1122, and the armed forces have been placed on standby to respond immediately to any untoward situation.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif commended the efforts of the rangers and Rescue 1122 personnel for their timely evacuation and assistance to the affected individuals in Shakargarh. He expressed gratitude for saving the lives of dozens of people and directed the rescue organizations to make necessary arrangements to address the potential flood situation in Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej. The prime minister also emphasized the importance of raising awareness among people in potentially affected areas and ensuring their timely and safe evacuation.
