ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned relevant authorities to ensure prompt evacuation of people residing in low-lying regions of eastern Sulemanki village, adding that the Sutlej River was expected to reach the “highest flood level” in the area on Tuesday.
The river, traversing both northern India and eastern Pakistan, has undergone a significant surge following New Delhi’s release of excess water from reservoirs due to the ongoing monsoon season.
“The Sulemanki headworks will achieve a very high flood level by 22 August,” the NDMA stated on Monday while citing its flood forecasting division’s latest report.
The statement also highlighted that a peak in the flow of the Jhelum River was projected to occur from August 23 to 25, which would impact the levels of Mangla dam.
In view of the situation, the NDMA chairman, Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, provided clear directives to all the relevant departments to take appropriate measures, added the statement.
His instructions encompass timely clearance of settlements and encroachments near the riverbeds, vigilant monitoring of evolving situation, conducting flood damage assessments, and gleaning accurate data.
With several Pakistani rivers experiencing persistent flooding, approximately 238,202 individuals from vulnerable areas have been successfully evacuated to safer locations, according to the NDMA. The agency said it also mobilized 203 boats and 795 rescue personnel on the ground to assist in its efforts.
In 2022, torrential monsoon rains and glacial melt triggered devastating floods across various regions of Pakistan. The aftermath resulted in the loss of 1,700 lives, millions displaced, extensive agricultural land destruction, and an estimated $30 billion worth of damages as per government assessments.
