The water level in River Ravi at Shahdara is normal, while according to the flood forecasting report, there are 28,000 cusecs of water in the river. In the next few hours, the report said, the water level is likely to increase by 10,000 to 15,000 cusecs, as a current is expected to arrive at Shahdara within 10 hours. The chief meteorologist at the Flood Forecasting Division warned that 35,000 to 40,000 cubic meters of water will flow though the Ravi. Muhammad Aslam said rescue and civil defense staff are always ready, adding that there is no risk of flooding in the Ravi. The Punjab caretaker chief minister also claimed the same. However, the flow of water in the river in Lahore is faster than the previous day and its level has also risen.

 Last night, a water current had reached the river at the Punjab capital due to which the water level rose. Evacuation of populations at the bank of Ravi to safe places is underway. Moreover, a water current in Chenab River at Chiniot has caused erosion near the Sanbhal area and the water has entered settlement areas. The flood control room has reported that the level of floodwater in Chenab has exceeded 165,000 cusecs. Due to the erosion caused by a current, the floodwater has entered villages and destroyed standing crops on hundreds of acres.

 Populations in Burj Umar, Mauza Sanbhal, Thatta Nehra, Chinni, Adlana, Muhammadi Sharif and Nowshera have been affected. Rescue 1122, and the finance, health, livestock and related departments have set up flood relief camps, while a state of emergency has been imposed across the district to prevent any possible flooding. Separately, the Bilawal canal near Pirosan in Khairpur has developed cracks, which has inundated hundreds of acres of standing cotton crops.

 The damage to crops is feared to cause a loss of millions of rupees to farmers. Officials of the irrigation department did not arrive at the spot despite being notified on time. On the other hand, in view of the fear of flooding, the picnic point on the banks of river Chenab in Gujranwala has been closed and the boat service suspended. Flood relief camps have been established in 70 villages that have been declared sensitive.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP