SIALKOT: 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.
It is pertinent to mention here that the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) termed the flood situation in Ravi River extremely critical after India released water into Pakistan.
According to National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), there is an unusual flood situation in the rivers Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej. There is a very high flood level of 769,481 cusecs at Marala in Chenab River, which may exceed further.
At Khanki on River Chenab, there is an extremely high flood discharge of 705,225 cusecs, with the flow decreasing. In River Ravi at Jassar, a high flood of 202,200 cusecs is passing, which can reach up to 229,700 cusecs.
In River Ravi at Shahdara, a flow of 72,900 cusecs is ongoing. Low-lying areas of Shahdara, Park View and Motorway-2 are at risk of flooding. In River Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala, an extremely high flood of 245,000 cusecs continues.
NDMA is in contact with civil and military agencies. Residents living along riverbanks and waterways have been advised to immediately move to safe locations.
The provincial government has called in army as flood situation in Punjab goes extreme with major river reaching to it maximum capacity.
As per details, the armed forces have been called to assist civil authorities as floodwaters continue to disrupt life in six districts, including Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal and Okara.
Officials said district administrations in the affected areas had sought immediate military assistance to protect lives and support ongoing rescue operations.
Rescue 1122, civil defence, police and local administration are already on the ground, but the scale of the crisis has stretched their resources thin.
