11 laborers were killed as an under-construction underpass wall collapses

Flood worsens as Sutlej water enters Vehari, Burewala

Punjab CM Naqvi orders immediate drainage of rainwater from Rawalpindi’s low-lying areas.

Islamabad/Lahore_In a devastating turn of events, heavy rainfall in the twin cities led to the collapse of walls, resulting in the tragic loss of 12 lives. The downpour unleashed chaos as the normally tranquil areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi experienced a series of unfortunate incidents. One such incident occurred on Peshawar Road near Golra Mor in the federal capital. When a wall of under-construction underpass, measuring approximately 100 feet in length and 11 feet in height, came crashing down, burying 11 laborers beneath its debris. The victims, who were trapped under the weight of the fallen structure, succumbed to their injuries before rescue personnel from the renowned Rescue 1122 could reach the scene. Promptly responding to the distress call, the dedicated Rescue 1122 team sprang into action, employing heavy machinery to commence rescue operations.

Amid the perilous situation, four workers were successfully extracted from the rubble, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy. In a separate incident, tragedy struck the Muhammad Town area of Khanna police station as an 11-year-old girl lost her life when another wall collapsed amidst the rainfall. The unexpected and abrupt collapse left the community in shock, mourning the loss of a young and innocent life. The authorities have taken notice of these unfortunate incidents and pledged to conduct thorough investigations to determine the exact cause of the wall collapses. Their findings will shed light on any potential negligence or lapses in safety protocols, ensuring that such incidents can be prevented in the future.

The flood situation worsened as the water entered Burewala, in the limits of Vehari district, More villages were feared to be flooded in Arifwala as the water level in the Sutlej River rose further at the point of Dhola Patan. According to rescue sources, the flood entered Burewala after wreaking havoc on Mauza Dula Akuka and Mauza Judeka in Bahawalnagar district. As an embankment near Ajeera Basti breached, several villages in Mauza Jamlera of Burewala including Basti Rakh Jamlera, Basti Jan Muhammad Jamlera, Basti Niaz Jamlera, Basti Allah Yar Jamlera and Basti Khokhran were inundated. Similarly, Basti Mirzeka in Mauza Judekaki, Basti Miran Shah in Mauza Sahuka, and Basti Kai Shah and Basti Muhammad Yar Mochi in Mauza Saldera were inundated. Other villages including Basti Dad Jamlera, Basti Majhi Jamlera, Adda Bin Morr and Nowshera Jamlera were feared to be inundated due to the increase in the intensity of the flow of flood. The flood has caused so much destruction after 35 years,” a local elderly person said. The locals were moving to safe places while the rescue teams were busy carrying out rescue operations.

Moreover, many settlements along the Sutlej River in Arifwala were evacuated and the units of the Pakistan Army also arrived for assistance. The Pakistan Army soldiers were busy with the locals and rescue officials carrying out relief work. As the Dhola embankment weakened, the Pakistan Army soldiers strengthened it by adding soil to it. In Khanpur, crops were inundated after a 40-foot-wide breach occurred in Nahar-1L Canal near Bhatta Sheikhan. Despite receiving the information about the crack, the officials of the Irrigation Department did not reach the spot. The locals helped themselves plug the canal breach. According to them, the canal water is stolen with the connivance of the Irrigation Department officials by organising a breach in the canal. They demanded that the higher authorities take notice of it.

While,

Mohsin Naqvi issued directions to Rescue 1122, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and the local administration to ensure immediate drainage of the water accumulated after heavy rain in the low-lying areas of Rawalpindi, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

“The administration and institutions concerned should immediately utilise all resources for drainage of the rainwater in the low-lying areas,” Mohsin Naqvi said.

“Steps for the drainage of the rainwater should be ensured on an emergency basis. The officers of the administration and institutions concerned should remain in the field until the water is drained completely,” he added.

“All precautionary measures should be taken given the risk of flooding in the rivers. The situation of Lai Nullah should be monitored continuously. After draining the rainwater, the report should be submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office,” he ordered.