ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army on Thursday continued its operation to evacuate citizens stranded in flood-hit areas of Gujranwala district in Punjab province.
Thousands of people have been affected along the Chenab River, which is exceptionally high in floods after India released water into Pakistan.
Pakistan Army personnel are shifting flood victims to safe places with the help of boats and helicopters.
The people in the flood-hit area appreciated the timely relief operations of the Army.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday warned of a severe flood situation at the Khanki Headworks on the Chenab River, where water discharge has crossed one million cusecs.
According to the NDMA spokesperson, the Headworks have a designed capacity of 800,000 cusecs, and the current flood flow poses a serious risk to its hydraulic structure.
Floodwater near Khanki Headworks also cut off land routes to various areas of Punjab.
Punjab is facing an unprecedented flood emergency due to a combination of heavy rains and India’s decision to release water from at least two dams. Both countries have been ravaged by intense monsoon rains and flooding in recent weeks.
CM Punjab reviews situation at Ravi River
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday visited the Ravi River at Shahdara near Lahore to inspect the flood situation more closely.
Later, talking to the media, she said that the province has experienced severe and continuous rainfall in recent weeks, leading to dangerous water levels in all three major rivers.
“I have never seen so much water in the Ravi River. Our rivers were under immense pressure. Had we (Punjab govt) not prepared in time, the damage could have been catastrophic.”
She added that more than 50,000 people, along with a significant number of livestock, have been successfully relocated to safer areas.
Reaffirming her government’s commitment to relief and recovery, the Punjab Chief Minister assured that every affected individual would be reached and compensated for their losses.
12 killed in Punjab floods
Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that at least 12 people have lost their lives due to the ongoing floods in the province.
Speaking to the media, she stated that monitoring efforts are actively underway, and six to seven individuals have been rescued from the debris so far.
“Food is being provided at relief camps, and nearly 200,000 livestock have been moved to safe locations with their owners. Citizens are urged to avoid flood-hit areas and not to approach water channels for selfies or photos,” she added.
