Islamabad: On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gave instructions to the government on how to handle a situation resembling a flood in the rivers Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej.
The instructions come as heavy rain is forecast for many cities in Punjab today and tomorrow (July 11), and the Chenab and Ravi rivers are expected to flood as a result of persistent rain in India’s northern states, which has increased the water discharge towards downstream areas. A day prior, as the water levels in the rivers rose to dangerous levels, at least 95 people—including five Rangers personnel—stranded near the Ravi and Tawi rivers were rescued.
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.
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.
