Sutlej in high flood as more 65,000 cusecs water enters from India

LAHORE (92 News) – More villages are feared to be submerged due to a high flood in the River Sutlej near Okara after the release of more 65,000 cusecs of water into the river by India. According to the reports, the district administration of Okara has shifted more than 300 people to safer places. Several more villages have been evacuated and the people shifted to safer places. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 125,000 cusecs water is passing through Ganda Singhwala. Moreover, the water level is continuously increasing in Indus and Chenab rivers. Crops have been inundated by the flooding in a large belt. Pakistan Army and other rescue teams are busy in the rescue activities. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had earlier warned of flood in the areas alongside River Sutlej after India decided to release up to 200,000 cusecs of water into the river without notifying the relevant authorities. In Punjab, all rivers and nullahs are flowing normal while River Indus at Guddu and Sukkur is also flowing normal. According to Flood Forecasting Division of Met Department Lahore, River Sutlej is flowing below Low Flood level currently with water level of 57,000 cusecs with no threat of rise.

18 villages inundated in Kasur

At least 18 villages have been inundated in the Kasur vicinity as the water level continues to rise in River Sutlej with the flow crossing 60,340 cusecs. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Spokesperson Brig Mukhtar Ahmed, three villages namely Bakhi Wand, Chandra Singh and Ghati Kalinjar were completely underwater in the surroundings of River Sutlej.

Over 50 villages submerged

On the other hand, Executive Engineer Irrigation Multan Chaudhry Muhammad Zahid said there was no threat to irrigation infrastructure as low flood level was recorded in river Sutlej. On Tuesday, the water level at Ganda Singhwala was 17.8 feet with 37,640 cusecs and was expected to reach up to 100,000 -150,000 cusecs by Wednesday.