Major floods in Chenab, Sutlej, and Ravi, floodwater to reach Guddu in a few days: Provincial Minister of Agriculture
Islamabad, August 30 (SPECIAL REPORT)
A high-level meeting chaired by Provincial Minister of Agriculture and Left Bank Focal Person Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Khan Mahar was held at the DC Office in Mirpur Mathelo to review preparations to deal with the impending severe flood threat. The meeting was attended by Chairman District Council Bangal Khan Mahar, DC Manzoor Ahmed Konrani, SSP Anwar Khetran, Director SIDA, Chairman MC Ghotki Asif Khan Dharijo, and other important officials.
Echoing the Sindh government’s directives, Minister Mahar emphasized preparations for a potential major flood and continuous monitoring of protective embankments. He said that due to the release of water by India, significant floods have already occurred in the Punjab rivers Chenab, Sutlej, and Ravi, and this floodwater is likely to reach Guddu Barrage within a few days. He directed the authorities to remain vigilant and relocate residents to safe places, reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting life and property. The establishment of relief camps, medical facilities, and sheds for livestock, along with the utilization of agricultural engineering expertise, was also ordered.
Deputy Commissioner Konrani briefed the meeting on available resources, which include 27 boats from local sources and two from the rehabilitation department, 53 dewatering pumps, 26 electric motors, and 26 diesel motors. He estimated that approximately 10 union councils and 125,000 individuals could be affected by the expected flood. He informed that 1026 snake venom injections, 1998 anti-rabies vaccines, 300,000 livestock vaccines, and 43 ambulances have been stockpiled. Five control centers have been activated at the taluka level throughout the district and the leaves of all employees have been canceled.
According to DC Konrani, the repair work of the protective embankments of Ranonti, Dilawaro, and Machko has been completed. Continuous monitoring of all protective barriers is underway, and arrangements have been made for immediate repairs if needed. Director SIDA stated that the floodwater is expected to reach Guddu Barrage within 48 hours of passing through Panjnad. Guddu Barrage, with a capacity of 1.2 million cusecs, is being continuously monitored.
