RAHIM YAR KHAN: A 70-foot breach was reported in the R-6 canal in Chak 63-P Feroza Town of Liaquatpur tehsil in the early hours of Sunday.

The breach was reportedly caused due to the weak banks of and excessive silt in the canal, some 75 kilometres from here. The rupture that was initially 20 feet wide was later said to have extended to 70 feet due to the high flow of water.

Locals said they informed the irrigation staff about it and meanwhile started plugging the breach themselves with the coordination of neighbouring villagers and Rescue 1122 staff.

Water from the canal entered the nearby five acres of agricultural fields affecting wheat and sugarcane crop as well as fodder. Later, irrigation department staff from the canal sub-division concerned reached the spot and started to plug the breach. Work was under way until the filing of this report.

The villagers said the extent of damages would be estimated within a few days by the irrigation department.

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2022