LIAQUATPUR: Floodwaters from the Chenab River entered several settlements in Liaquatpur after a protective embankment near Basti Bada Parara in the Bet Parara area was breached, prompting authorities to launch rescue and relief operations while assuring that the overall situation in Rahim Yar Khan district remains under control.
According to officials, the embankment gave way after rising water levels in the Chenab River exerted pressure on the protective structure, allowing floodwater to rapidly spread into nearby villages.
The influx of water severed road links to several settlements, leaving residents stranded inside their homes.
The flooding also caused extensive damage to agriculture, with standing crops of sugarcane, moong, sesame and fodder spread over more than 50 acres reported to have been submerged.
Dozens of houses were also inundated, adding to the difficulties faced by affected families.
Local residents said the rapidly rising floodwaters had created an alarming situation, with access routes cut off and movement becoming increasingly difficult.
Following reports of damage to the protective embankment, Deputy Commissioner Rahim Yar Khan Zaheer Anwar Jappa ordered an immediate response and sought a detailed report from the Assistant Commissioner of Liaquatpur.
He directed Rescue 1122, the Irrigation Department, Health Department, Livestock Department and other relevant agencies to launch relief, rescue and security operations in the affected area.
According to the district administration, Assistant Commissioner Liaquatpur Ghulam Murtaza is present at the site and is personally supervising the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
The deputy commissioner clarified that Rahim Yar Khan district is not facing a general flood emergency, stressing that the incident is confined to the affected locality despite elevated river levels during the ongoing monsoon season.
Officials said precautionary evacuations had already been carried out in vulnerable settlements near the embankment before the breach, reducing the risk to human life.
They added that Rescue 1122, the Revenue Department, Irrigation Department, Health Department, Livestock Department and other agencies remain deployed in the area and are continuing relief operations.
The district administration appealed to the public to avoid spreading or believing unverified information and urged citizens to rely only on official statements and advisories for updates on the evolving situation.
