TAXILA: At least 40 people, including women and children, who were trapped in the heavily flooded waters of the River Indus, were rescued in a successful operation near Shinka in tehsil Hazro, district Attock, on Thursday.

According to rescue and local administration sources, the nomadic families and cattle farmers, who had settled on a river islet and basin locally called “bela” in Shinka village, Hazro, were trapped after the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) had to release excess water from the Tarbela Dam.

The 40 individuals had settled in the area to herd livestock, but they became stranded as the floodwaters rose. The families made an SOS call to the District Emergency Office in Attock. Upon receiving the emergency alert, teams from Rescue 1122, equipped with life jackets, boats and other life-saving equipment, reached the site.

The rescue officials managed to safely evacuate the 40 people from the powerful current and deliver them to safety.

The rescue operation, which involved the shifting of families to safe locations, was monitored by Deputy Commissioner Atif Raza, while District Emergency Officer Ali Hussain supervised the operation.

Talking to the media, Ali Hussain stated that every year, at the beginning of the monsoon season, Rescue 1122 conducts mock exercises aimed at testing operational readiness, machinery efficiency, and inter-departmental coordination.

During these drills, rescue personnel also demonstrate the evacuation of flood-affected individuals to safe areas.

He added that the drill simulates real-life rescue operations in flood scenarios and features practical demonstrations by Rescue 1122 teams using modern equipment for flood evacuation, firefighting, and rapid response mobility.

It also includes training in CPR, bandaging and emergency care to ensure a swift response during potential disasters. Hussain concluded that the exercise proved valuable, as the rescue teams showcased their flood evacuation skills and saved 40 lives.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2025