Punjab Flooding as Chenab, Ravi water levels rise and trigger

Flooding has been reported in portions of Punjab with rising water levels in the Chenab and Ravi rivers, erosion of river banks, broken protection embankments and floodwaters invading populated areas creating hardships for people and farmers.

Floodwater of Chenab has caused extensive damage in Kot Bela near Alipur Chattha. Rapid erosion of the riverbed threatens scores of homes, and thousands of acres of farmland have been wiped away. Standing crops have been inundated under several feet of water, causing huge losses to farmers.

Residents said they were still reeling from last year’s floods when the latest flooding added more hardship. They urged the Punjab government to immediately take safety measures and humanitarian activities in the affected districts.

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department claimed that the water level at Head Sidhani on the Ravi River near Abdul Hakeem was on the rise. The inflow at Head Sidhani was 53,530 cusecs and outflow 38,230 cusecs.

Flood relief camps have been set up by the administration in Mill Fatehiana, Kot Pathana, Adda Kalyara, Mauza Tara, Haveli Mai Safuran, Kot Karam Shah and Dedhi.

Floodwaters have also inundated fields in Khan Da Chak, Jhlar Sagla, Shahbal Shah, Basti Peepal Wala and Mauza Darsana in Mill Fatehiana.

The SDO Irrigation has asked the population residing in the river belt to migrate to safer places.