DERA GHAZI KHAN: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a warning of a medium-level flood risk in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan.

The PDMA has instructed the Irrigation Department, Health Department, Rescue 1122, Livestock Department and other relevant agencies to complete advance preparations.

PDMA Punjab Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has urged the administrations of the districts to remain on high alert. He said in view of flood warning, timely safety measures, rescue operations and relief efforts must be planned. Communities located near rivers and mountains are advised to relocate to safer areas.

A message from the chief minister was also conveyed to the public, advising them not to endanger their lives during the flood situation. The Punjab government has assured that it will protect the lives and property of the citizens. People are urged to evacuate their homes if necessary and cooperate with the authorities. Public awareness will be raised through print, electronic, and social media, as well as announcements in mosques and local media. In case of emergencies, citizens are encouraged to call the PDMA helpline at 1129.

The district administration has issued an urgent warning, as a flood wave of 32,000 cusecs of water is expected to pass through the Sakhi Sarwar mountain drain within a few hours. With a total capacity of 32,643 cusecs, the local population has been instructed to evacuate and move to safer locations.

Deputy Commissioner Mehr Shahid Zaman Lak said that rescue operations are already underway to evacuate residents and livestock from the affected areas. The process of relocating the population to secure areas has begun, and all relevant institutions, including the district administration, Border Military Police, and other agencies, are on high alert.

“We are fully prepared for any situation and are in constant contact with the local people,” said Deputy Commissioner Lak. “Our priority is to ensure timely relief operations and provide necessary aid to those affected by this flood wave.”

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are ready to respond to any developments as the flood wave approaches.

The Irrigation Department has released its latest hill torrent discharge report, indicating that the current flow of water across the major hill torrents in the region remains within normal parameters, except for the Sakhi Sarwar hill torrent, which is flowing at its peak level, creating an alarming situation for the public in adjoining areas.

According to the report, the key details of the hill torrents are as follows: In Kaura, present flow is 2,124 cubic feet per second (Cs), with a peak flow recorded at 140,000 Cs. In Vehova, there is no current discharge, with a peak flow recorded at 154,362 Cs. In Sangher, present flow is 10,394 Cs, with a peak flow of 268,149 Cs. In Sori Lound, there is no current discharge, with a peak flow recorded at 152,487 Cs. In Vadoore, the present flow is 13,943 Cs, with a peak of 174,360 Cs. In Sakhi Sarwar, present flow is 1,494 Cs against a peak of 32,643 Cs, while in Mithawan, which is currently dry, holds a peak flow noted at 61,905 Cs.

The Irrigation Department has assured the public that the present flows in these torrents are normal and do not pose any immediate threat.

Routine monitoring is ongoing to manage and safeguard water resources in the area.

The department remains vigilant and ready to respond to any significant changes in discharge levels.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2024