Indus erosion displaces 100,000 to flee homes in Layyah

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered immediate action to protect residents affected by the rapidly advancing river erosion. She directed her

LAHORE: Around 100,000 people have been displaced in Layyah after severe erosion along the Indus River destroyed homes and farmland and threatened more populated areas, prompting the Punjab government to step up rescue and relief efforts.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered immediate action to protect residents affected by the rapidly advancing river erosion. She directed her Special Assistant Shoaib Mirza to visit the affected areas, assess the situation and supervise relief operations.

Mirza visited Mauza Samra Nasheeb, one of the worst-hit locations, where he met displaced residents and reviewed the damage. Authorities have mobilised machinery and launched operations to move families and their belongings to safer locations.

Food, dry rations and other essential supplies are being provided to affected households, while officials from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority have also been deployed in the area.

A special committee has been formed to assess the destruction caused by the erosion, including damage to agricultural land, houses and other property. The committee will submit its findings to the chief minister.

The situation has deteriorated rapidly over the past week, with thousands of homes reportedly swept away as the Indus continues to erode its banks and change course. Residents of Samra Nasheeb fear further devastation if the river reaches the nearby Lala Creek.

The crisis has affected at least 10 union councils and numerous settlements across the district. Many families have reportedly been forced to abandon their homes and seek shelter in tents or remain in the open.

Residents have also raised concerns about inadequate assistance and called for faster government intervention as the river continues to threaten populated areas.

The chief minister has directed the chief engineers of irrigation departments in Dera Ghazi Khan and Sargodha to reach the affected sites, assess the damage and take urgent measures to control further erosion. Layyah Deputy Commissioner Asif Ali Dogar has also ordered departments to ensure food, healthcare, ration and transport facilities for displaced residents.

PDMA Director General Saif Anwar Jappa visited Samra Nasheeb and Basti Kinjal as authorities intensified efforts to contain the erosion and prevent further displacement. Officials said the situation was being closely monitored and that all available resources would be used to protect affected communities.