BAHAWALPUR – Villages on the outskirts of Bahawalpur are facing a growing threat from the swelling Sutlej River, which has already eaten away several acres of farmland and continues to inch closer to residential areas.
In Basti Mari Qasim Shah, residents say around four acres of land have already been lost to erosion, and floodwaters are now just eight acres away from their homes. Locals are urging authorities to act immediately, fearing the settlement could be submerged within days if reinforcements aren’t made.
Nearby, Fatowali village—situated between Bahawalpur and Sammasatta railway station—is in a similar crisis. Villagers are calling for emergency deployment of heavy machinery, sandbags, and stones to prevent further land loss.
On Tuesday, a private embankment near Basti Bhinda gave way, flooding agricultural fields and forcing residents to evacuate. While there were no immediate reports of casualties, the damage to farmland has left many worried about their livelihoods.
Multan Braces for Flood Peak as Relief Camps Expand
MULTAN – With floodwaters from the Sutlej and Chenab rivers rising, Multan district authorities have increased the number of relief camps to 90, offering shelter, meals, and basic medical support to displaced families. Farmers, however, say livestock feed is running short, adding pressure to an already difficult situation.
Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani visited multiple relief camps on Tuesday, including those at Shershah Girls High School and Buch Phatak, to assess conditions. Speaking to reporters, Gilani said medical supplies—including medicines for diarrhea, skin infections, and snake bites—were stocked, but acknowledged a shortage of tents.
“The next 48 hours will be critical as the flood peak approaches,” Gilani warned, urging at-risk residents to evacuate to safer ground. He also called for compensation for farmers and pushed for a national policy to support communities living in flood-prone katcha areas.
