Sutlej River flood situation improving, Relief efforts continue amid challenges

The flood situation along the Sutlej River is showing signs of improvement, with water levels receding to a moderate flood stage at Ganda Singh Wala and Sulemanki headworks, as per a Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) representative.

The PDMA spokesperson revealed that Ganda Singh Wala currently witnesses a water flow of 89,060 cusecs, while Head Sulemanki records an inflow of 95,196 cusecs and an outflow of 81,366 cusecs.

Further updates highlighted that Head Islam is experiencing a water flow of 82,916 cusecs, and the other rivers within Punjab are encountering normal water levels.

Efforts for flood relief are ongoing in the affected areas. Additionally, PDMA has issued a rain alert in anticipation of an impending monsoon system that is expected to bring heavy rainfall to Pakistan’s major river sources from September 2 to 5. Preparations for drainage have been advised for all relevant institutions, including the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa).

Meanwhile, challenges persist due to the moderate flood level at Head Salam on the Sutlej River. The scarcity of water is posing issues for flood victims, especially for women who struggle to access healthcare facilities. Moreover, despite a lack of electricity for a month, flood victims are receiving substantial electricity bills.

Over 113 villages and settlements remain cut off due to the flood, hampering aid distribution. With a water flow of 80,000 cusecs projected at Head Ganda Singh, a prolonged moderate flood is anticipated at Head Islam, exacerbating the plight of the affected individuals.

The recovery of the Sutlej River is unlikely to be feasible in September. Flood survivors, including Muzaffar Baloch, Maher Manzoor, Malik Amjad Langriyal, and Malik Arshad Langriyal, have expressed concerns about insufficient food supplies for those who were initially trapped and later rescued.

Criticism is directed at the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) for billing flood-affected households high electricity costs despite the prolonged power outage. The victims are demanding a waiver of their electricity bills.

Given the challenging circumstances, Deputy Commissioner Vehari, Asif Shah, informed that 101 rescuers are tirelessly aiding flood victims along the Sutlej River. Rescue 1122 has deployed 46 boats to evacuate over 55,000 people and more than 5,000 animals from flood-hit zones to safe locations.