Multan Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu has said that the city’s authorities are ready for potential floods from the Chenab and Sutlej rivers, stating that the decision has been taken to breach embankments if necessary.

Addressing a press conference with City Police Officer Sadiq Ali Dogar, the DC said that the district administration is fully active, but warned that 138 villages in the district may be affected.

“So far, we have evacuated 45,000 people, with the remainder to be moved in the coming days” the DC was quoted as saying in a statement on his Facebook page. “The relocation of over 300,000 people to safer places is being ensured.”

DC Sindhu added that although 700,000 cusecs of water may pass, “the citizens need not worry because no dam will be broken that will harm the population”.

“The decision to break dams at various places, including Head Muhammad Wala and Shershah, will be made if necessary and after consultation with the relevant departments,” he explained.