Devastating Floods Ravage Nawabshah District, Decimating Crops and Livelihoods
In a heart-wrenching calamity, Nawabshah district is reeling from the aftermath of severe floods that have wreaked havoc on its agricultural heartland. Vast stretches of standing crops have been washed away, spanning hundreds of acres, as multiple breaches occurred in six crucial canals within the district. The gushing torrents inundated vast areas of farmlands, leaving local residents devastated.
According to eyewitness reports, a breach measuring a staggering 70 feet in width struck the Daulatpur Canal near Bachalpur, while a 50-foot-wide breach emerged at the Jama Shah Branch in Golo Dahiri area. Another breach, approximately 30 feet wide, was reported near Sakrand at Ghandia branch, followed by a 40-foot-wide breach near Manahro in Deh Feel canal.
Adding to the tragedy, a breach measuring 50 feet occurred near Hussain Bux Zardari village in a distributary water course, while a 15-foot-wide breach was reported in Malwah canal near Mahroo village in the district.
Compounding the distressing situation, the local irrigation and district officials’ response to the emergency remained lacking, forcing the residents of affected villages to take matters into their own hands. These resilient communities bravely initiated breach-plugging efforts independently, as they awaited official support, which was slow to materialize.
It’s important to highlight that the government had allocated substantial funds for the irrigation department to address canal repair, breach plugging, and other emergency situations. Yet, this catastrophe shows that there is an urgent need for improved maintenance and monitoring of canal infrastructure to avert such disasters and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people reliant on agriculture.
As we come to terms with the magnitude of this tragedy, let us extend our heartfelt sympathies to the affected communities in Nawabshah district. Together, we must advocate for a more proactive approach in canal maintenance and disaster response to prevent similar incidents in the future and offer support to those grappling with the aftermath of this devastating flood.