LAHORE: At least 25 people dead, many injured as Punjab hit by riverine flooding after rain and discharge of water by India in three major rivers.
As per details, the horrific flooding in Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers left five members of a family dead in Sambarial, Sialkot district,15 in Gujranwala division, four deaths in Gujrat, three in Narowal and two persons in Hafizabad district of Punjab.
The flood has wreaked havoc in Punjab as Shahdara Headworks on Ravi River now facing a “very high” flood, with “rising” outflows of over 160,000 cusecs.
As per details, the Met Office’s Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) latest data which has been updated at 9am stated that Chenab River at the Qadirabad and Khanki headworks, and Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala are in an “exceptionally high flood” condition.
Whereas the water outflows at Qadirabad has been recorded at over 900,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs), with a “falling” trend, while the outflows at Khanki neared 800,000 cusecs.
Jassar and Balloki headworks on Ravi were facing a “high” flood level, with steady and rising outflows, respectively.
Record rain
On the other hand, Sialkot received record breaking 512 millimetres of rain in the past 48 hours, triggering urban flooding and overflow from three major drains in the ‘Land of Iqbal’.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Saba Asghar has confirmed the rain figure stating that “This is the first time Sialkot has experienced flooding of this scale,” adding that boats were used yesterday to rescue people from affected urban areas. She said that maximum efforts are being made to assist flood-hit people of the city.
According to the district administration, nine relief camps have been established, however a large chunk of population refused to leave their homes. “One relief camp received 25 families, but most were later taken away by their relatives,” she noted.
DC Saba Asghar further stated that water levels in the River Chenab have slightly decreased, and the threat is not as severe as before.
Sialkot flight operation
The airport spokesperson announced that flight operations have been suspended at Sialkot International Airport as flood has engulfed Punjab.
A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) has been issued to inform airlines and relevant authorities saying that the flight operation will remain suspended from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
The spokesperson stated that floodwaters from the southern side breached a protective embankment and entered the southern part of the airport premises.
“However, the runway, terminal building, and parking area remain safe”, he added.
“All equipment at the airport is secure, and all available machinery and staff have been mobilised to manage the situation,” the spokesperson said, adding that efforts are underway to drain the floodwater.
