Flood waves from Sutlej, Chenab put Jalalpur Pirwala at high risk Protective embankment breached in Alipur NDMA warns of heavy rains in Sindh, Balochistan.
MULTAN/MUZAFFARGARH/ISLAMABAD – The district administration in Multan on Tuesday issued a red alert after a high flood hit the River Chenab at Head Muhammad Wala, Sher Shah and Jalalpur Pirwala.
According to a spokesperson of the district administration, evacuation efforts were accelerating in the affected areas as water levels continue to rise.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Waseem Hamid Sindhu said the services of Pakistan Army and Navy had been engaged to support rescue operations. He added that he was personally present in Jalalpur Pirwala for the third consecutive day to supervise relief work. According to DC, a flow of 500,000 cusecs from Head Trimmu has reached Head Muhammad Wala, further increasing the water level. “In case of high floods pressure, Sher Shah Road will be breached,” he stated.
During the past 24 hours, 2,000 more people were rescued from Jalalpur Pirwala, while five new flood relief camps have been set up in the area. Sindhu warned that the next 24 hours would remain critical as flood waves from both the Sutlej and Chenab had put Jalalpur Pirwala at high risk. DC appealed to residents of Jalalpur river area to immediately shift to safer places.
Shershah Bund situation
Multan City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Ali Dogar and Regional Police Officer (RPO)
Sohail Chaudhry visited Shershah Bund to assess the prevailing flood situation and evacuation of affected families on Tuesday. They reviewed ongoing flood relief operations and directed for immediate measures to ensure assistance for the displaced citizens. The CPO said that all available resources were being utilised to protect lives and property of the public.
He met with the affected families, encouraged them, and assured them of full cooperation.
He also appreciated performance of relief camps and rescue teams, instructing for uninterrupted provision of facilities to the victims.
He added that Shershah Bund could be technically breached by noon if required, stressing that the police were committed to safeguarding lives and property of the citizens.
‘Protective embankment breached’
Alipur witnessed a breach in the government’s protective embankment at Sitpur as water entered several surrounding villages. The breach had raised a severe risk of flooding in Sitpur city, Kundai, Sultanpur, and Khairpur, while road access between Sitpur and Alipur city had also been cut off, said an official from the irrigation department.
The irrigation department also reported a high flood in the Chenab River at Trimmu with an outflow of 499,986 cusecs of water. The officials said the water level at Trimmu Barrage was showing signs of decline. At Head Panjnad, a high-level flood persists with 452,930 cusecs of water passing through the barrage, added the official.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday warned of possible flooding in parts of Sindh and Balochistan due to expected widespread rainfall over the next 48 hours. In its alert, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) cautioned residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
The NDMA warned that low-lying and urban areas could face inundation, while traffic disruptions are also anticipated.
According to the alert, thunderstorms accompanied by rain are expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Dadu, Jacobabad, and other districts across Sindh.
Intermittent downpours are expected in Sukkur, Rohri, Larkana, Shikarpur, Ghotki, and Kashmore, while flash flooding is feared in the Kirthar Range due to hill torrents.
In Balochistan, heavy rains are forecast over the next 24 hours in southern and eastern districts, raising concerns of possible flooding and related hazards.
Heavy rains are expected in Lasbela, Hub, Khuzdar, Awaran, Barkhan, Sui, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Naseerabad, Kohlu, Kalat, and Zhob. Showers are also likely in Kech, Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara, Surab, and southern Washuk.
The forecast warns that intense rainfall may cause flash floods in Wadh, Khuzdar, Bela, Ormara, and Hingol Valley, with risks to mud houses, agricultural lands, and link roads.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel and steer clear of weak structures and trees during the anticipated spell of heavy rainfall.
