The situation of the floods in the rivers of Punjab was widely normalized after weeks of flooding, the province of disaster management (PDMA) announced on Saturday.
“The water flow in most rivers in Punjab has returned to normal,” said DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia, adding that water levels in the floods had dropped considerably.
According to a PDMA report, the flow at Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej river amounts to 104,000 brackets, while Sulemanki recorded 81,000 brackets.
On the Chenab, the water flows measured 42,000 Cusecases in Marala, 44,000 brackets in Khanki Headworks, 37,000 brackets in Qadirabad and 41,000 CUSCS in Trimmu Headworks. In Panjnad, the flow has reached 133,000 cuses. The Ravi river has recorded 8,000 CUSECs in Jassar, 9,000 in Shahdara, 31,000 in Balloki Headworks and 29,000 in Sidhnai Headworks.
Punjab’s rescue commissioner Nabeel Javed noted that the Mangla dam is 96% and that Tarbela is full, while on the Bhakra dam in India has reached 88%, the 99% pong dam and the 90% dam.
Read: 38 roads damaged by the floods reopened in Faisalabad
He said that despite the relaxation of the river conditions, the floods caused significant damage. More than 4,700 villages have been affected, 4.755 million people affected by the disaster, the rescue commissioner reported.
Providing details on the victims, Nabeel Javed said that the PDMA had confirmed 127 deaths caused by floods in various incidents. “In accordance with the instructions of the chief minister, compensation will be granted to affected citizens,” he said.
He also added that an investigation to estimate the losses would begin soon, after which compensation would be issued “by a transparent and simple procedure”.
Rescue operations continue
Describing the details of rescue efforts, Javed said that tent cities had been created in 19 Alipur villages to support the communities affected by the floods. Food, drinking water, dry rations and fodder for livestock were distributed in villages near the flooding of Kotla Akar and Khanwan, including Azmat Pure, Bet Mala Wali, Basti Kundrala, Bet Noor Wala, Lal Wala, Tibba Tiya Wali, Bet Chanan, Peepal Wala, Langrawa Kotla Ghum Shah and Sarki.
He said that essential supplies were also delivered to flood victims staying in rescue camps in Ghulwan near Chander Bhan and Lakhan Bela. Each tent city was equipped with “Clinic on Wheels”, campaign hospitals and Suthra Punjab sanitation teams, while doctors and medical staff were present to provide health care.
“Meals are served three times a day, as well as milk packs, mosquito repellents and drinking water. Drinking water and fodder are also provided for cattle, “he added.
Javed said that sub-commissioners and public representatives were visiting the distribution of rescue elements. The oil tankers had also been sent to ensure continuous supply of clean water in all areas struck by the floods of Punjab, including cities of alipur, Seetpur, Uch Sharif, Ahmedpur East and other affected regions.
He said more than 319 emergency camps and 407 medical camps had been installed in the most affected districts, while 2.62 million people had been moved to safe places.
Find out more: Forecasts of heavy rains raise new fears of flooding through Punjab
To protect livestock, 356 veterinary camps were established and 2.09 million animals moved, he added. “Once the investigation is completed, compensation will be provided by a transparent and simple procedure,” said Javed.
Commissioner Lahore Maryam Khan has sent more than 500 ration cards, given by Unileur Pakistan, for families affected by floods. The Lahore district administration will distribute the aid of the victims of the theme park company.
Each card contains flour, sugar, rice, chickpeas, tea, milk, cooking oil, soap, repulsive spray of mosquitoes and other essential items. Appreciating the help efforts of Unilever, the commissioner welcomed the support of the company, while the officials of Unileur Shehzad Waris, Ijlal Zaka and others informed him of the ongoing assistance activities.