When catastrophic natural disasters strike, international emergency response must be swift, structured, and technically proficient. In my opinion, the recent milestone achieved by the UAE Search and Rescue Team -retaining its prestigious UN-affiliated Heavy classification for the third consecutive cycle-defines modern crisis leadership. When UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally received the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority’s elite unit at Qasr Al Bahr, it underscored a vital truth: effective humanitarian relief requires elite operational mastery. By maintaining this top-tier accreditation under the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) framework, the Emirates reinforces its commitment to rapid disaster response worldwide. I believe this achievement is not merely a technical badge, but a clear reflection of strategic foresight, national discipline, and deeply ingrained humanitarian values. What Does INSARAG Heavy Cla...
Floodwaters across Punjab reached alarming levels on Tuesday after India released additional discharges into the Sutlej and Ravi rivers, while persistent monsoon rains intensified the crisis, putting millions of lives at risk and raising fears of a super flood in Sindh.
According to the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), the Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala recorded over 350,000 cusecs of water — the highest level since 1955.
At Sulemanki, the flow was measured at 124,000 cusecs, while Islam Headworks reported nearly 86,000 cusecs. The Ravi also witnessed a dangerous rise, with water levels recorded at 54,000 cusecs in Jassar, 60,000 in Shahdara, 137,000 in Balloki, and 107,000 in Sidhnai.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said that over one million people have so far been relocated to safe areas, while 41 people have lost their lives since August 26. He described the ongoing relief and evacuation efforts as the largest rescue operation in the province's history.
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed stated that over 3,200 villages and more than 2.4 million people have been affected. He said 395 relief camps, 392 medical camps, and 336 veterinary camps have been set up across flood-hit areas, while nearly one million people and over 708,000 livestock have been relocated to safer places.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of further heavy rains over the next 24 to 48 hours, cautioning that water pressure is likely to rise in the lower Indus and southern Punjab. Authorities have expressed fears that the situation could escalate into a super flood in Sindh, threatening millions more in the days ahead.
In southern Punjab, the Chenab's surge has entered Multan district, where local authorities are weighing breaching embankments to protect the city.
In Sindh, low-level flooding has been reported at Sukkur, Kotri and Guddu barrages, though many residents in riverine "katcha" areas are resisting evacuation orders. Officials warn that the refusal to leave the areas could complicate relief efforts if river levels continue to rise.
The FFD reported that Tarbela Dam has reached full capacity, while Mangla is 83 per cent filled. Rawal Dam has opened its spillways as levels approached the danger mark. Authorities said more rainfall is expected through September 3, with forecasts pointing to continued high flows in the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers.
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