KARACHI: The mighty Indus is let loose, and is now on the rampage. The catastrophe happened late Tuesday night [Aug 21] when the raging river finally humbled the weak Dadu Canal bund after a tenacious battle that unexpectedly lasted almost 48 hours. And in the next strike, coming within a few hours of the first breach in Dadu Canal, the river in spate also over-ran the Rice Canal. … According to latest reports, the floodwaters were now rushing towards the Larkana-Dadu region … and towards the North-West Canal — also known as Khirthar Canal.

[Meanwhile, as reported by a correspondent,] floods have played havoc with the historical monuments in Lahore. Worst-affected is the mausoleum of Empress Nur Jahan. Water has encircled the underground chamber of the mausoleum where the real sepulchre is located. … [Officials] feared that the foundation might sink and the building may collapse any moment. The tomb of Emperor Jahangir has also been badly affected. Among other things, the 300-feet original enclosure wall facing the Ravi has completely washed away. Foundations of the royal inn, Akbari Sarai, are also believed to have been badly shaken.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2023