Massive Evacuation: Over 10,000 People Forced to Flee as Pakistan's River Sutlej Floods After 35 Years

Over 10,000 people residing near the River Sutlej in Pakistan have been evacuated to higher grounds as the region experiences a flood for the first time in 35 years. The flood situation is being closely monitored by Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, as 278,000 cusecs of water rushed near Ganda Singh Border, Kasur.

Naqvi expressed his appreciation for the district administration, Rescue 1122, police, and irrigation teams for their efforts in managing the situation over the past three days. He assured the affected people that necessary measures were being taken to handle the flood. In order to protect the residents, Section 144 has been imposed in the area.

The chief minister stressed the need to strengthen embankments and use necessary resources to prevent further damage. The water level at Ganda Singh in the River Sutlej has surpassed 278,000 cusecs, with increasing water inflow at the Sulemanki Headworks reaching 80,143 cusecs, resulting in a low-level flood.

Evacuation efforts are ongoing in several affected areas, including Lalika, Chavika, Wazirka, Kot Makhdoom, Bonga Ehsan, Kaku Bodla, Pir Sikandar, Kalia Shah, Jodhika, and others. To provide relief to the affected population, the Bahawalnagar administration has established 19 flood relief camps and 11 rescue points.

Bahawalpur’s district commissioner stated that more than 200,000 cusecs of floodwater are expected, putting the lives of over 200,000 people living along the river banks and 38 villages in five tehsils of the district at risk.

This flood event in Pakistan is reminiscent of the devastating floods in 1988, which affected the Ravi and Sutlej rivers, causing significant damage to crops and livelihoods over thousands of acres. In a pre-emptive move last month, former Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had instructed authorities to make comprehensive arrangements to handle a potential flood-like situation in the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers.

The current flood situation in the Sutlej River serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and prompt response to protect the lives and properties of the affected population.