DC reviews flood preparedness at River Chenab, departments put on high alert

SARGODHA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Jul, 2026) Deputy Commissioner Sargodha Hussain Ahmad Raza Chaudhry paid an emergency visit to Talib Wala along the River Chenab early Thursday morning to review preparedness and administrative arrangements amid the possibility of flooding.

According to a spokesperson for the Deputy Commissioner's Office, officials from the Irrigation Department, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Assistant Commissioner Kot Momin's office and the district administration briefed the deputy commissioner on the expected flow of water in the River Chenab, protective measures and the emergency response plan.

Officials informed the meeting that a low- to medium-level flood wave is expected to pass through the Talib Wala point within the next 48 hours.

The briefing revealed that if the river flow reaches between 250,000 and 350,000 cusecs, 11 villages in Kot Momin Tehsil could be affected. The number could increase to 23 villages if the flow rises to 450,000 cusecs, while flows exceeding 450,000 cusecs could put as many as 41 villages at risk.

The deputy commissioner directed all relevant departments to immediately complete protective and administrative arrangements to tackle any possible flood emergency. He ordered that timely warnings be issued to residents living along the riverbanks and in low-lying areas and that all arrangements for their evacuation to safer locations be kept ready.

He also instructed the Livestock Department to ensure the timely relocation of livestock to safe places and to keep veterinary treatment, vaccination and other emergency services readily available.

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Chaudhry further directed the authorities to keep flood relief camps, rescue boats, heavy machinery, medicines, food supplies and other essential relief items fully prepared for immediate deployment in case of an emergency.

Rescue 1122, the Health Department, Livestock Department, Irrigation Department, PDMA, police and the district administration were directed to remain on high alert and maintain close coordination to ensure a swift and effective response to any flood situation.

The deputy commissioner also ordered all control rooms to remain operational round the clock, the river situation to be monitored continuously and timely and accurate information to be provided to the public.

Officials informed the meeting that modern technology was being used for the first time to monitor the flood situation. Safe City cameras, body cameras and drone cameras are being deployed for real-time surveillance of the River Chenab, while live data is being shared with relevant departments to facilitate prompt decision-making and effective rescue and relief operations.

PML-N leader Chaudhry Shahnawaz Ranjha, along with officials of the Irrigation Department, Rescue 1122, police, PDMA and other departments, was also present during the visit.