Sialkot Faces Unprecedented Floods, Airport Operations Suspended
SIALKOT – For the first time in its history, Sialkot is experiencing flooding on such a massive scale, according to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Saba Asghar. Rescue boats were deployed on Tuesday to evacuate residents from inundated urban areas.
The DC assured that maximum efforts are being made to support flood-affected families. She confirmed that nine relief camps have been set up across the district, though many residents are still hesitant to leave their homes. “One relief camp received 25 families, but most were later taken away by their relatives,” she said.
On a positive note, the administration reported that water levels in the River Chenab have started to recede, easing fears of a more severe threat.
Earlier, flight operations at Sialkot International Airport were suspended from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on Wednesday due to floodwaters breaching a protective embankment on the southern side of the airport. An airport spokesperson confirmed that while floodwater entered part of the premises, the runway, terminal building, and parking area remain unaffected.
“All equipment is safe, and all available machinery and staff have been mobilised to manage the situation,” the spokesperson added, noting that work is ongoing to drain the water.
The suspension of flights followed a district-wide public holiday declared by authorities as floodwaters intensified in Sialkot and Gujrat.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergency Operation Centre has warned of extraordinary flooding in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. Authorities have urged immediate evacuation from vulnerable areas as heavy inflows from India continue to swell Punjab’s rivers.
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