Punjab has Launched ‘Clinics on Boats’ to Aid Flood-Affected Areas

After severe flooding in the Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi rivers, the government of Punjab has initiated ‘Clinics on Boats’ services to help the flood-affected victims.

Flood-relief operation:

After visiting the affected areas, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered immediate treatment for the affected families, especially for women and children. The Punjab Health Department has acted upon the Minister’s order and established 968 mobile clinics and medical relief camps.

In relief camps, free medical services, including a vaccination drive for the newborns, nutritional screening of the malnourished children, and ambulance services for the pregnant women, have been started.

Also Read: 506 MM Of Rain Causes Gujrat, Punjab, To Flood Its Cities.

By that time, the water level is increasing. At Head Muhammad Wala in Multan, over 500,000 cusecs are passing. It is exerting pressure on the Akbar flood embankment. The rescue team and the army are on high alert. However, traffic on Head Muhammad Wala and Shershah roads has been suspended. Flood has devastated the Punjab villages badly.

In Muzaffargarh, more than 300 villages have been submerged. Floodwater has swept through Rangpur, Moradabad, and nearby settlements. Embankments have been broken due to heavy water flow.

Vehari, Bahawalpur, and Alipur also got affected. Residents were moved to the relief camps. Authorities have also issued a high alert of rising water of upto 141, 790 cusecs at Head Sidhnai on the river Ravi. 

NDMA warning:

On Wednesday, the National Disaster Management Authority issued a high flood warning for the Chenab River. According to NDMA’s National Emergencies Operations Centre, water flow at Marala Headworks was recorded at 548,237 cusecs. It is expected that the projection could rise upto 550,000.

The flood wave is expected to reach Qadirabad and Trimmu Headworks on September 8 with 330,000 cusecs. On September 11, it could reach Panjnad with 264,000 cusecs, and on September 13, it could reach Guddu Barrage with 217,000 cusecs.

The NDMA has ordered the district administration to adopt security precautions to protect the lives of people in these areas.