Sutlej Flood Crisis: Authorities relocate 150,000 people to safe places

ISLAMABAD: Nearly 150,000 people have been moved to safer areas in Punjab after warnings of rising water levels in the Sutlej River, officials said on Tuesday.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued early alerts, after which the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) carried out large-scale evacuation operations. Emergency teams were deployed, and all departments were put on high alert to protect lives and property.

According to NDMA figures, 89,868 people were evacuated from Bahawalnagar, 14,140 from Kasur, 2,063 from Okara, 873 from Pakpattan, 361 from Bahawalpur, and 165 from Vehari. Officials also confirmed that nearly 40,000 people had already shifted to safer places soon after the first warnings.

The NDMA has advised citizens to avoid rivers, streams, and low-lying areas, limit unnecessary travel, and follow safety guidelines shared on TV, radio, mobile alerts, and the NDMA’s Disaster Alert app. Emergency services remain on standby as efforts continue.

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