SIALKOT, July 7: Flash floods in river Tavi inundated around 15 villages, damaged crops on hundreds of acres of land and killed several cattle in Bajwat near the working boundary on Thursday. Besides, scores of villages and cultivated land on large area were also submerged owing to the overflowing of Nullah Dek in Pasrur tehsil. The flow of water is more than 32,000 cusecs in Nullah Dek as against its capacity of 31,500 cusecs. Officials have warned the people of these areas.

The Sialkot district administration has removed the small wooden bridge over river Tavi, the only way of connecting around 85 villages to the Sialkot district, in a bid to save its possible collapse owing to high flood.

According to flood control centre officials, there is a medium-level flood in Chenab, Jammu and Tavi rivers. While all seasonal nullahs — Aik, Palkhu, Bhed, Baeen and Bassuntar are also flowing to danger points in Sialkot and Narowal districts because of heavy rains in all catchment areas in the Occupied Jammu & Kashmir.

Sialkot DCO Shafqat Ranjha told reporters that the situation was still under control and the rescue operation had been started in Bajwat’s flood-hit areas.

He said that all departments concerned, army and other agencies had been put on red alert to meet any eventuality.

Meanwhile, private and official boatmen have suspended their operation on account of flood in Tavi and Chenab rivers.

Some people affected by flood informed reporters by phone that they were stranded and were unable to reach Sialkot and its adjoining areas after the removal of the wooden bridge on river Tavi.

In the absence of any flood warning system at Head Marala barrage, the departments concerned are unable to exchange information on flood in River Chenab with Indian officials concerned.

The DCO said that we were entirely on the mercy of the nature because of the non-availability of the flood warning system.

SARGODHA: Apprehending high flood in river Chenab in Sargodha district, over 200 villages has been got evacuated.