Lahore: The Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, has issued a grave warning regarding the severe flood situation across Punjab’s three major rivers.
Speaking to the media, he confirmed that the province is currently facing the biggest floods in its history, with the devastating natural disaster having claimed 33 lives so far.
Irfan Ali Kathia highlighted that by tomorrow, an estimated 135,000 cusecs of water will flow towards Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, and Vehari, indicating a significant rise in water volumes. He further stated that the waters of the Sutlej and Chenab rivers are expected to merge on September 2, resulting in a surge of approximately 100,000 cusecs at the Trimmu Headworks.
At Trimmu Barrage, water discharge has recently increased to 361,633 cusecs, marking a substantial rise of 100,000 cusecs. Despite these alarming numbers, the DG noted that the water level in the Sutlej River at Kasur is gradually decreasing.
In response to the flood crisis, PDMA is actively coordinating breach management and mitigation efforts with local and provincial authorities to minimize damage and loss of life.
The floods have wreaked havoc across Punjab, affecting nearly 2,200 villages and displacing or impacting about 2 million residents. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge affected communities to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols.
The PDMA and other disaster response agencies remain on high alert as the floodwaters continue to rise, emphasizing the need for preparedness and coordinated efforts to combat this unprecedented natural calamity.
