PM wants foolproof arrangements in place ahead of possible flooding in rivers

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday instructed authorities to make foolproof arrangements for handling a flood-like situation in the Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej rivers.

The directives come as many cities in Punjab are expected to receive spells of heavy rain today and tomorrow (July 11), while Chenab and Ravi rivers will be flooded due to an incessant downpour in India’s northern states, which has increased the water discharge towards downstream areas.

A day earlier, at least 95 people, including five Rangers personnel, stran­ded near Ravi and Tawi rivers were rescued as water in the rivers rose to dangerous levels.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office today, the premier directed authorities to prepare for timely and safe evacuations. He also told authorities to spread awareness among the people in affected areas that could potentially be affected.

He appreciated Rangers and Rescue 1122 personnel for the timely evacuation and assistance of the people trapped by flood water.

“I, along with the whole nation, pay tribute to the country’s dutiful personnel,” PM Shehbaz added.

Heavy rains forecast over next 24 hours

In its latest report, the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) predicted medium to high-level flooding in the Ravi river at Jassar. “Moderate level flooding is expected in the nullahs of Ravi during the next 24 hours,” it said.

River Chenab at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad is at medium-flood level, while all the other major rivers are flowing at their normal flows, the FFD added.

It further stated that light to moderate moist currents from the Bay of Bengal were penetrating the upper catchments of River Sutlej up to 5,000 feet.

Separately, the FFD forecast widespread rain and thunderstorm at isolated places and very heavy falls at one or two places over the upper catchments of the Sutlej River.

“Scattered wind thunderstorms/rain of light to moderate intensity is expected over the upper catchments of Rivers Indus, Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi along with Islamabad and Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Rawalpindi and Sargodha Divisions.

“Isolated thunderstorm/rain is expected over Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan Divisions along with Northeast Balochistan and Southeast Sindh,” it added.

On Sunday, the National Disaster Management Authority had cautioned all public and non-government organisations to remain “vigilant and ready” as Lahore, Narowal and Sialkot were expected to receive heavy rainfall over the next 24 to 48 hours.

The NDMA estimated at least 0.9 million people might be impacted by the rains.

80 deaths so far

The monsoon system which started on June 25 has so far resulted in the death of 80 people while 142 were injured, NDMA said in its latest situation report.

Four deaths and nine injuries were reported over the last 24 hours in Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. The deaths were caused by roof collapses and lightning.

So far, Punjab has witnessed the highest number of deaths during the rains, with the provincial death toll at 49.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported 20 deaths, followed by six in Balochistan, two in Sindh and three in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

During the last 24 hours, the highest amount of rain was recorded in Mithi in Sindh (68 mm). In Punjab, Narowal received the highest amount of rain (36mm), while KP’s Shinkiari received 42mm of rain.