School holidays in flood-hit areas along Sutlej River extended

LAHORE: The school holidays in flood-affected regions owing to the swelling of the Sutlej River have been extended until August 28.

The decision has been taken in light of the continued challenges faced by these areas as a result of the heightened water levels in Sutlej River.

Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that the flow of water at the Talwara Post reached a staggering 222,955 cusecs on Sunday before it receded to 157,000 cusecs after 24 hours.

He said that the authorities are closely monitoring the situation as water levels continue to fluctuate.

Additionally, the Lahore commissioner said that rescue operations were conducted on Monday, leading to the safe evacuation of around 400 individuals, out of which 179 had been relocated to secure locations.

He said that additional equipment, dumpers, tractors, and machinery have been dispatched from Lahore to Kasur as part of the ongoing relief efforts.

The resources of MCL, LDA, and WASA have been handed over to the Kasur administration for better coordination, he said.

A total of 7,121 individuals have received medical aid and medicines from 11 medical camps, according to Muhammad Ali Randhawa.

He said that the mobile hospital at Talwara Post has provided medical treatment to 1,060 individuals.

“Boats and boats’ carriers continue to operate ceaselessly in the flood-hit areas of the Sutlej River. Thorough checks are being conducted in every rural and urban vicinity, ensuring the safety of residents,” the Lahore commissioner said.

He said tht a fully equipped base camp has been established at the Talwara Post, actively overseeing relief operations, and ensuring the direct supervision of relief operations while efforts are being made to transport affected individuals to boats through special transport facilities.

Rescue and evacuation operations under way as Sutlej River flooding peaks

“All government departments are actively engaged day and night in assisting and providing relief to the affected population. According to duty rosters, teams are present on a 24-hour basis,” stated by the Lahore commissioner.

“Due to the relief efforts, 23,764 individuals have so far been successfully rescued and transferred to safer locations from flood-affected areas of the Sutlej River.  In the flood-affected regions, 16,000 animals have been safely relocated using boats,” according to Randhawa.

He said that eight police check posts have been established for the protection of evacuated 15 villages. Facilities are being provided in the relief camps for the flood-stricken people while the Kasur deputy commissioner is personally supervising the arrangements.

He said that a total of 13 flood relief camps, 11 medical camps, and 4 livestock camps are operational in the flood-affected areas along the Sutlej River.

The Lahore commissioner said that a close eye is being kept on the flood situation and comprehensive assistance is being provided to the affected population.