At least 26 villages in the riverine belt of Sujawal district have gone under water as flood levels continued to rise, officials confirmed on Thursday.
Deputy Commissioner Sujawal Zahid Rind said nearly 500 families had already been relocated to safer places, while more than 4,000 people were are sitting on protective embankments after losing their homes.
Despite the growing displacement, local authorities admitted that no relief camps had yet been established in the district.
Officials said that relief camps would be set up once water levels increase further and more residents are forced to leave their homes.
On the other hand, authorities warned that flooding on the M-5 Motorway could affect four to five more spots if the situation worsens as it has been so far damaged 13 points
The Motorway Police said the motorway remains closed due to the floods.
Travellers from Multan to Sukkur are advised to use alternative routes, with traffic diverted from Shah Shams Interchange onto the National Highway.
From Ooch Sharif Interchange, vehicles can rejoin the M-5, while motorists from Sukkur to Multan can use the National Highway via Ooch Sharif Interchange.
The police added that the Sher Shah Interchange is also open for motorists to re-enter the motorway. Officers are present on-site to guide drivers and ensure safe passage.
The Motorway Police have issued a statement regarding damage near Jalalpur Peerwala that has disrupted travel on the M-5.
A massive new section of the Multan-Sukkur Motorway (M5) was completely washed away near Jalalpur Pirwala.
“This is the second major breach to cripple the M5,” confirmed an Irrigation Department spokesperson. “The new breach is actively widening. Our emergency teams are working around the clock, placing boulders in a desperate attempt to stabilise the ground.”
The scale of the disaster is vast. The Sutlej River has effectively created a 20 to 25km-long inland lake between Gilani Road and the M5 motorway, submerging and damaging the highway along its entire length in the area.
