Encroachments Along Riverbanks Must Be Cleared to Prevent Future Disasters: PDMA DG

LAHORE: Director General of the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, has warned that failure to clear river passages will lead to recurring losses from flooding.

Addressing a press conference, Kathia said that under the Flood Plan Act, all illegal constructions along waterways will now be removed to minimize future risks. He noted that the recent flood wave of 220,000 cusecs passing through Shahdara in River Ravi was the largest since 1988, but fortunately, no lives were lost in Lahore. The water level at Shahdara is now gradually receding and is expected to decline further in the coming hours.

He added that floodwater had entered nine locations in Lahore, but timely rescue operations ensured the safety of residents. Currently, 147,000 cusecs are passing through Baloki, which will flow downstream into the River Ravi. Authorities have ordered strict evacuation of people living along the riverbanks, with forced evacuations carried out in some areas.

Kathia also revealed that India has been releasing 80,000 cusecs of water from the Madhopur Headworks, which is now moving from Lahore’s Shahdara to Chiniot and onwards to the Rewas Bridge—identified as the government’s biggest concern. Authorities are considering breaching embankments at Rewas Bridge to protect Jhang. Similarly, after Trimmu, water will move toward Head Muhammadwala and eventually into the Multan system.

In Kasur, over 200,000 cusecs have been flowing through the Sutlej River for the past four days, creating critical conditions at Sulemanki. So far, 1,779 villages in Punjab have been submerged, over 14,000 people directly affected, and more than 4,000 displaced residents are currently housed in relief camps. Overall, more than 400,000 people have been evacuated to safe locations.

Kathia confirmed that floods have claimed 20 lives in Punjab, with fears of more casualties. He emphasized that Punjab will remain on high alert until floodwaters move into Sindh, where the provincial government has already been notified.

He further warned that fresh rains over Koh-e-Suleiman will increase flows in hill torrents, while India’s delayed sharing of water release data worsened the damage—a move criticized by international media as well.

The PDMA DG appealed to citizens to immediately vacate river routes so that rescue and relief operations can continue effectively.