Sutlej River flood displaces thousands of people, ruins villages

BAHAWALNAGAR, Sep 5 (SABAH): Recent flood in the Sutlej River has caused massive devastation, leaving at least 157 villages completely marooned and over 166,000 people homeless, as revealed by official data released by the district administration.

The flood, which is currently at a low level in the Bhukan Patan area, has had a major impact on the region. The Head Sulaimanki reported an inflow of 40,389 cases, further exacerbating the situation. The flood has affected a staggering 310,383 individuals, resulting in a death toll of just six.

Bahawalnagar district, where a riverine stretch spanning 150 kilometres suffered the brunt of the flood, witnessed its worst flooding in 35 years according to local residents.

Official records indicate that over 160,000 acres of fertile land have been destroyed, and 17,549 houses have been partially or fully damaged. Protective embankments have been breached, and crucial roads have been washed away by the deluge.

The data also confirmed that dozens of villages remain submerged, with over 100 others isolated due to road and protective bank destruction. The disaster has had a severe impact on education as well, with at least 43 schools in the riverine area damaged, affecting approximately 9,000 children.

Despite limited resources, rescue teams successfully relocated 18,000 people and 3,000 animals to safer areas, as reported by the rescuers. Local villagers express concern about the uncertain future that lies ahead.

Thousands of people are left helpless and forced to live in the open due to an acute shortage of food and fodder for animals. According to media reports, numerous complaints have been raised regarding the relief camps set up by the district administration.

Affected individuals assert that these camps exist only on paper, lacking basic necessities such as food, water, and animal fodder. Farmers and cattle rearers constitute a significant portion of the affected population, and they fear the long-term consequences of the flood.

Agricultural activities have been halted for the season, exacerbating the challenges faced by individuals in the affected areas. Moreover, locals emphasise the social cost of floods in the near future.

Without proper support, these areas may experience an increase in crime rates, and there is a possibility of diseases breaking out if immediate remedial measures are not taken.

The people in the region eagerly await assistance and relief, hoping for a saviour to help them rebuild their lives.