Over 10,000 people have been evacuated as a high-level flood hits the Sutlej River after 35 years.

BAHAWALNAGAR: More than 10,000 people have been evacuated from areas near the Sutlej River after an unprecedented flood in 35 years was reported as India continues to discharge water.
According to Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the authorities are monitoring the flood situation after 278,000 cubic meters of water surged towards the Ganda Singh Border in Kasur owing to a water release from India.
Naqvi posted on the microblogging site X, formerly known as Twitter, “This flood is unprecedented in 35 years, but our teams are on the ground, dedicated to securing and helping our people.”
He also expressed gratitude to the district administration, Rescue 1122, police, and irrigation crews for their work over the last three days, ensuring that the problem will be resolved.

Monitoring the River Satluj flood situation closely as 278,000 cusecs of water rush near Ganda Singh Border, Kasur because of water discharge from indian side.
Visited flood-affected areas and relief camps today. Appreciation for district Administration,Rescue 1122, Police, and… pic.twitter.com/XseySdqFXk

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) August 19, 2023

Section 144 has been implemented in the region to safeguard civilians, according to Naqvi. He also stated that resources should be allocated to improve the embankments.

The water level at Ganda Singh in the River Sutlej has topped 278,000 cusecs, according to the Punjab Irrigation Department, while the inflow of water at Sulemanki Headworks is 80,143 cusecs.

Sulemanki Headworks has a low-level flood, while the water level near Ganda Singh is dangerously high.

Following the warning, residents of Lalika, Chavika, Wazirka, Kot Makhdoom, Bonga Ehsan, Kaku Bodla, Pir Sikandar, Kalia Shah, Jodhika, and other surrounding localities were evacuated. Furthermore, the Bahawalnagar district administration has built 19 flood relief camps and 11 rescue sites.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), India is anticipated to release additional water till August 20.

According to the Irrigation Department, the embankments of the River Sutlej at Kangan Chowki were breached, allowing water to infiltrate surrounding villages and damage hundreds of acres of crops.

Furthermore, the district commissioner of Bahawalpur stated that floods will approach the city limits within the next 36 to 48 hours. More than 200,000 cusecs of flood relief are expected, according to him.

According to the DC, over 200,000 people reside on the river’s banks, and 38 villages in five tehsils in the district are at risk of flooding.