LAHORE (Dunya News) - Rising water levels in the Chenab and Ravi rivers have triggered flooding in several parts of Punjab, with riverbank erosion, damaged protective embankments and floodwaters entering populated areas causing difficulties for residents and farmers.
In Kot Bela near Alipur Chattha, floodwaters from the Chenab have caused significant damage. Rapid riverbank erosion has put dozens of houses at risk, while thousands of acres of agricultural land have been washed away. Standing crops have also been submerged under several feet of water, causing heavy losses to farmers.
Residents said they had yet to recover from last year's floods when the latest flooding brought further hardship. They urged the Punjab government to take immediate protective measures and launch relief operations in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department said water levels at Head Sidhani on the Ravi River near Abdul Hakeem were continuing to rise. The inflow at Head Sidhani was recorded at 53,530 cusecs, while the outflow stood at 38,230 cusecs.
The administration has established flood relief camps in Mill Fatehiana, Kot Pathana, Adda Kalyara, Mauza Tara, Haveli Mai Safuran, Kot Karam Shah and Dedhi.
Floodwaters have also inundated crops in Mill Fatehiana, Khan Da Chak, Jhlar Sagla, Shahbal Shah, Basti Peepal Wala and Mauza Darsana.
The Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Irrigation has advised residents living in the river belt to move to safer locations.