NAROWAL: Rescue 1122 teams saved nine people and several animals trapped in a rainwater drainage channel (Bayan) in Shakargarh tehsil following sudden flash flooding triggered by heavy rainfall.

According to Rescue 1122 spokesperson Harmat Ali, the control room received an emergency call from Village Raipur Dhadhar, reporting that several farmers had been caught in rising waters while working in their fields near the Bayan drainage. A flash flood had swept through the area. Rescue teams managed to safely evacuate all individuals. Those rescued included Mohammad Akram (70), Qasim (30), Omar (25), Shafiq (50), Qadir (36), Asim Ali (28), Ashraf (50), Abdullah (25) and Nasir Mahmood (18)

The rescue teams also saved several goats belonging to the farmers and transported them to safer place. The spokesman said the farmers had crossed the rainwater channel earlier in the day to reach their fields. The sudden surge in water flow caught them by surprise.

The Bayan stream originates in Indian-occupied Kashmir and enters Pakistan through the Narowal region.

In response to the rising flood threat, Rescue 1122 has established eight flood response posts across Narowal district to ensure swift action.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Hassan Raza told Dawn that the district administration has finalised comprehensive preparations to manage potential flooding during the monsoon.

Each post is equipped with water rescue and medical teams, boats, life jackets, life rings, and other emergency equipment.

DC Hassan Raza said departments including Rescue 1122, health, livestock, civil defence, and revenue have been placed on high alert. Medical supplies, beds, animal vaccines, fodder, and temporary flood relief camps have been arranged in anticipation of emergencies.

District Emergency Officer Rescue 1122 Narowal Engineer Aurangzeb stated that rescue personnel are on 24/7 duty, and all staff leaves have been cancelled. A central control room has also been set up at the DC Office for public assistance and real-time flood monitoring.

“We are trying to secure the lives of citizens in floods and natural disasters and minimum financial loss,” the DC said and added that all the responsible departments are alert for 24 hours on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2025