In Pakistan over 2 million people have been displaced across the country, mostly in the Punjab province, due to devastating floods. The death toll from floods in Punjab has risen to 33. Over 2,300 villages have been inundated by the floods. The floods have caused widespread devastation in Punjab province where more than 750,000 people have been shifted to safer locations.The Flood Forecasting Division has reported high flood levels in several rivers across Punjab. Meanwhile, the combined inflow from the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers continues to pose a severe threat to downstream areas of Southern Punjab and Sindh province. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has cautioned that 1,300,000 cusecs of water may reach Sindh’s Guddu Barrage in the next few days. The NDMA officials said that opening of the spillways of Tarbela Dam may cause a rise in the flow of the Indus River as the water discharge from the dam is expected to reach up to 250,000 cusecs.
According to rescue officials, all three major rivers in Punjab are experiencing severe flooding. The Director General of Provincial Disaster Management Authority Irfan Ali said authorities in Punjab have launched the largest rescue operation in its history, with the primary focus on saving human lives. Pakistan is witnessing severe flooding in rivers which has prompted mass evacuations in many districts across the Punjab province. The situation aggravated due to a latest spell of downpour and a barrage breach in India.
Officials have warned that an exceptionally high flood is expected to reach Guddu Barrage in Sindh province between September 5 and 6. Preparations are underway to manage any potential risk of very high flood in river Indus. Sindh is bracing for the aftermath of Punjab's severe flooding as the floodwater moves downstream towards Sindh province.
According to officials, floodwaters could enter Sindh between 2 and 3 September. The Sindh provincial government had devised a comprehensive plan to deal with the looming “super flood”. Meanwhile, a United Nations delegation led by Resident Coordinator Dr Muhammad Ahmad Yahya visited the flood-affected areas of Sialkot in Punjab to assess damage and distribute aid. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Musadik Malik has said that Pakistan is facing natural disasters as a result of climate change.
