OKARA: Raging Sutlej inundated many villages, destroying standing crops in large area as River which is still in high flood, breached embankments at multiple locations, forcing people to leave their homes for safety, according to report.

 With no ways and means available to stop floodwater, several localities in rural areas are now disconnected with rest of country except though boats. Affected people are trying to repair damaged riverbanks and build new temporary dykes on their own to save their homes and livestock by diverting water flow.

 Baba Farid Pull, Ferozepur Chishtian, Bablana, Pir Ghani, Shahu Baloch, Baqar Key, Mari Anb, Kot Bakhsha and Bhaini Noor Jahannian are among most affected areas, some of which had experienced floods just last month.

 On other hand, state-run schools have been closed in different areas including Tabi Lal Beg, Noor Arth, Jalal Jammu and Salam Rath for an indefinite period. These facilities are now serving as relief camps for uprooted families.

It is expected water level at Head Sulemanki will reach 200,000 cusecs from current level of 144,135 cusecs with same water discharge being maintained by authorities.

 Okara Deputy Commissioner Zeeshan Hanif is leading relief efforts in area with district administration officials, rescue workers and military personnel involved in evacuating and rescuing people. And in Kasur, Army personnel are busy shifting thousands of affected people from Ganda Singh Wala, Dhop Sarri, Attari, Ghati Kalangar, Juma Wala, Kamalpura and other rural areas.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 22 2023

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