Flood relief sent by the USA as Pakistan wrestles with rising rivers, prepares for additional rainfall during the monsoon season
Flood Emergency in Pakistan: Authorities Take Proactive Steps Amidst Increasing Threat
Pakistan is bracing itself for a series of monsoon spells, with authorities across the country taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential floods.
In a bid to tackle the impending crisis, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the climate change ministry to present a comprehensive plan to shield Pakistan from the adverse effects of monsoon rains and floods within two weeks. The urgency of the situation is evident as several departments have been instructed to prepare emergency responses.
The floods have already taken a toll, particularly in the province of Punjab, where nearly 50 people have lost their lives in the current Ravi-Sutlej-Chenab flood spell. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority of Punjab has warned of the 10th monsoon spell bringing widespread heavy rains to the province starting today. Urban flooding is expected to hit major cities in Punjab, according to the top PDMA official, Irfan Ali Kathia.
The Sutlej, swollen by upstream releases from India, is running at an extremely high level, with flows reaching 311,673 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala near Kasur. Meanwhile, the Chenab river is carrying 380,193 cusecs at Chiniot and 412,992 cusecs at Trimmu Headworks near Jhang, both classified as high flood.
In the southern Sindh province, authorities expect a high flood wave as water level at Panjnad is expected to increase by the end of the day before moving downstream into the Indus. According to a situation report, 1,651 villages are likely to be affected in Sindh, and more than 1.6 million people face risk, with 121,769 already displaced. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon has stated that evacuations are underway in low-lying areas, while Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has instructed officials to take proactive steps to protect people and livestock, saying no life should be lost in the floods this year.
To address the crisis, the Sindh government has set up 528 relief camps and established 155 medical camps, where more than 33,000 patients have been treated. Over 360,000 livestock have been evacuated in Sindh.
In response to the devastating floods, the United States delivered emergency supplies to Pakistan on Saturday. The Punjab administration, too, announced a satellite-aided survey to quantify flood losses before launching a compensation and rehabilitation program for affected families. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) conducted the satellite-based assessment of damage losses during the floods in Punjab.
As the country grapples with the flood crisis, the loss of life stands at 905 people nationwide since the monsoon began on June 26. The government, along with international aid, is working tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its citizens during these challenging times.
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