MULTAN: The exceptionally high flood in the River Chenab will affect 268,000 people in Multan district, District Coordination Officer (DCO) Zahid Saleem Gondal said on Monday.

He visited Head Muhammadwala, Sher Shah Bund and Basti Ghota Flood Bund.

The DCO said the highest ever flood of 800,000 cusecs would hit the Shershah Bridge by Wednesday and dykes at Head Muhammadwala and Sher Shah could be blown up to mitigate the water discharge to save the bridges.

He said the Pakistan Army and police had issued eviction orders for the people still in the riverside belt.

He said after the 800,000 cusecs tide passed the district, another wave of 600,000 cusecs would flow into the district by Friday that could worsen the situation.He said 5,000 tents had been provided by the provincial government for the displaced people while another 4,000 tents would be arranged by Tuesday (today).

He said five companies of army would also join hands with district administration officials in relief activities.

He said the provincial government had provided Rs100 million for relief activities while the first priority of the district government was to evacuate the people from the riverine belt.

He said the government would provide fodder and vaccination for the animals.

Published in Dawn, September 9th , 2014