Crops destroyed, settlements flooded as Sutlej River overflows

 

The standing crops were destroyed and many settlements along the river belt were flooded in Arifwala and Chishtian after the water level rose further in the Sutlej River, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.

The water level in the Sutlej River near Arifwala rose further with the inflow of an over 83,000 cusecs water current.

Many settlements on the river belt were submerged, and several others were washed away.

The river water also entered several villages including Balara Arjunka, Hassu Hasanka, Balara Lakhuka and Arazhi Dilawar.

Rescue 1122 started shifting the residents and animals of the flood-hit communities to safe places.

The water flow was making its advance with the land erosion. The standing crops on thousands of acres of land were destroyed, and the farmers were worried about the loss.

Also, the river water entered the riverine areas of Chishtian after the release of water into the Sutlej River by India.

The standing crops were destroyed with the inflow of a 71,000 cusecs water current in the Sutlej River.

The river water also entered the houses and settlements in the riverine areas. People were moving to safe places, leaving their goods, cattle and houses behind.

The flood affected the riverine areas including Mehta Jhedu, Sahoka Camera, Jodhika Dala, Akuka Lodhira, Kaliye Shah and Basti Ashiq Muhammad.

The Chishtian district administration did not ensure adequate measures for the provision of essential facilities to the flood-hit people.

Only eight camps were established across Chishtian district to deal with the flood situation, and only two camps were established by the district administration in the riverine areas of Chishtian.

People were forced to move to safe places on a self-help basis. Losses were also reported in Kasur, Okara and Pakpattan were the release of water into the Sutlej River by India.

Meanwhile, rescue and relief operations of the Pakistan Army were ongoing in the flood-hit areas of the country.

The units of the Pakistan Army conducted rescue and relief operations in about 14 flood-hit areas of Bahawalnagar, Minchinabad and Chishtian districts.

The flood-hit people, including children, women and the elderly, were shifted to safe places. The Pakistan Army troops also distributed dry ration, water and other edibles to the flood-hit people.

The flood-hit people were thankful for the relief operations of the Pakistan Army.

 

Reporters: Shahzad Ahmed and Zahid Hussain Hashmi