Lahore: Another high alert has been issued by the Flood Forecasting Division in Punjab as another powerful flood wave, originating from India, is expected to enter Pakistan this evening. The floodwaters are forecasted to reach Head Trimmu on the River Chenab, where a "very high flood" level is anticipated.
The situation is expected to worsen further by September 2, when the flood wave is projected to reach Head Panjnad, posing a serious threat to low-lying areas across southern Punjab. Authorities have expressed growing concern over the potential for widespread destruction.
Rivers Swell Amid Continuous Rainfall:
The latest flood threat comes amid ongoing heavy rainfall and the continued release of water from India. Rivers Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej are currently flowing at dangerously high levels, flooding towns and villages across multiple districts.
Several urban areas have also been submerged, disrupting lives, damaging infrastructure, and displacing hundreds of families.
Rising Death Toll:
The death toll from the ongoing floods has risen to 25, with the Gujranwala Division being the worst affected. According to the Commissioner of Gujranwala, 15 fatalities have been reported in the division, including a tragic incident in Sambrial, where five members of a single family lost their lives.
Other reported casualties include:
4 deaths in Gujrat
3 in Narowal
2 in Hafizabad
1 in Gujranwala city
Relief Efforts & Evacuation Orders:
Emergency relief operations are currently underway, with rescue teams deployed in the most affected areas. However, officials have warned that the danger is far from over, as more rain is forecast and floodwaters continue to surge from across the border.
Residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas have been strongly urged to evacuate immediately and move to safer locations. Authorities have emphasized the importance of taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of lives and property.
India:
India is also facing severe torrential rains that have caused widespread destruction across several states. Flash floods, landslides, and infrastructure damage have disrupted lives and claimed dozens of lives over the past few days.
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Indravati River flows in spate during the monsoon season, in Bastar.[/caption]
In Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall have claimed eight lives, killed 96 livestock, and caused damage to around 495 houses and 16 culverts and bridges, officials confirmed. Over 2,000 people have been evacuated to safety as large swathes of the region remain submerged.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the death toll rose to 41 as of Wednesday, with 34 fatalities linked to a Hindu pilgrimage. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed for the third consecutive day following multiple landslides in the Udhampur-Ramban belt.
Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, continuous heavy rainfall has caused significant damage in the Kullu district, where a portion of the Chandigarh-Manali Highway was washed away by the swollen Beas River. A landslip at Banala has further disrupted movement, though restoration work is currently underway.
Authorities across the affected regions are on high alert, with disaster response teams deployed for rescue and relief operations. The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued rainfall in parts of north and central India over the next 48 hours.
