Flood poses threat to Multan

The Punjab government sources have disclosed that preparations have been made to blow up Mohammadwala dyke at a point to divert the floodwater from Multan.

Multan region has become the focus of relief and rescue operations and over 1100 boats and 16 helicopters were being used to evacuate people from Jhang, Multan and Muzaffargarh districts.

The authorities have developed a breach at Multan-Muzaffargarh highway to save the city. The breach water has inundated hundreds of villages in the region.

In Jhang district the authorities were considering to make another breach at Athara Hazari embankment, to handle a peak of 500,000 to 600,000 cusecs flow in Chenab approaching Trimu within 24 hours.

To save Jhang city and outskirts, the authorities had on Wednesday blown up Athara Hazari protective dyke at the right side of Chenab, diverting 120,000 cusecs to Athara Hazari town and adjoining areas.

Officials said Chenab downstream Trimu could pose a serious threat to Multan, because of chances of breaches at Muhammadwala and Sher Shah bridges.

The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) has forecast high to very high flood with a flow of 600,000 to 700,000 cusecs in Indus river at Guddu in Sindh on Sept 15 and 16. The swelling river likely to pose same threat to Sukkur on Sept 16 and 17, the flood forecasting body added.