Sutlej River’s roaring floodwaters penetrate Bahawalpur

BAHAWALPUR: After a span of 13 years, the water level

beneath the iconic Empress Bridge located at Bahawalpur has surged to an

astonishing height of 10 feet. This extraordinary rise is attributed to

the torrential floods that have inundated the Sutlej River, causing

widespread havoc in the region.

Reports indicate that an overwhelming discharge of approximately 130,000

cusecs of water is coursing through the Empress Bridge, presenting an

awe-inspiring yet alarming sight for onlookers.

The unrelenting volume of water has managed to breach multiple dams in

its path, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Numerous villages have been engulfed by the deluge, displacing residents

and prompting rescue operations on an urgent basis.

Agricultural areas have not been spared either, as the force of the

floodwaters breached a temporary dam near the banks of the Sutlej River.

As a result, vast stretches of fertile fields now lie submerged, posing a

significant threat to local farmers’ livelihoods.

A major disaster was being feared when the floodwater at Islam Headworks

reached Bahawalpur as the district administration’s measures to avert the

devastation were negligible.

It has taken no steps to strengthen the small protective dams.

Almost no arrangements have been made to house the people who will be

displaced by the flood. Many areas of Bahawalpur city are also under

severe threat.

Authorities are grappling to manage the situation, with the water level

continuing to rise relentlessly.

Emergency response teams are working to ensure the safety of affected

residents, even as they contend with the challenges presented by the

ongoing floodwaters.