PDMA Chief terms South Punjab flood situation ‘challenging’

LAHORE: Director General of the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, has described the flood situation in South Punjab as highly challenging.

He highlighted that conditions in Jalalpur Pirwala are particularly alarming. He explained that the area is being affected simultaneously by floodwaters from three rivers — the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej.

He added that a recent breach has raised fears of five to six more settlements coming under threat. However, he assured that the evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas is being carried out on an urgent basis.

Irfan Ali Kathia said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will visit Jalalpur Pirwala today, more than 175 rescue boats are working in Jalalpur Pirwala. He said people avoided evacuation, which has made a challenge for us.

According to the DG PDMA, all the machinery has been working to plug the breach in Jalalpur Pirwala. He noted that Pakistan Army personnel have been present in the area for over a week, assisting with rescue and relief operations.

Kathia further stated that India has stopped releasing floodwater into the Ravi and Sutlej rivers. He clarified that India is currently discharging water only into its downstream canals as per its domestic requirements.

He said that the big challenge of the next three days is South Punjab, the situation in Multan is alarming, the situation in Muzaffargarh, Liaquatpur and Rahim Yar Khan will be alarming.

Irfan Ali Kathia said that the flow of water is gradually decreasing in Narowal, Sheikhupura, Lahore, Nankana, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Hafizabad and Chiniot. He said people are returning from relief camps in the water descending areas.