Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to intensify evacuation efforts for individuals stranded in flood-affected areas. Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad today on the flood situation across various regions of the country and the ongoing relief operations, he instructed officials to accelerate rescue efforts in Punjab districts impacted by flooding from the Sutlej River. The Prime Minister emphasized the urgent need to ensure the provision of essential food supplies, medicines, and tents to affected communities. Additionally, he directed the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority to maintain close coordination with Punjab’s disaster management agencies. During the meeting, officials briefed participants on the nationwide flood situation and relief activities. It was said that due to advance warnings about the Sutlej River flooding, no casualties have been reported so far in the surrounding areas, as local populations were evacuated in time. It was further informed that that rescue operations are ongoing in the affected districts, and 174,074 people have been shifted to safe locations. In Narowal district, evacuation of residents from flood-hit areas near the Lehri embankment is being ensured. The meeting was updataed that high-level flooding is occurring at Ganda Singh Wala and Sulemanki on the Sutlej River, Jassar on the Ravi River, and Marala on the Chenab River. Severe flooding has also been reported in Nala Dek. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, restoration of electricity in flood-hit areas is underway. In Gilgit-Baltistan, two kilometers of the national highway have been submerged due to flooding, and repair work is in progress. Officials also warned of heavy rainfall expected over the next 12 to 24 hours in Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Rawalpindi divisions, as well as districts of Azad Kashmir and several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan.
PM orders authorities concerned to intensify evacuation efforts in flood-hit areas
