On Friday, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that the death toll from a tragic boat accident in the swollen Sutlej River at Head Sulemanki, Okara district, has reached 4.
The boat, carrying around 45 people, capsized on Thursday for reasons yet to be determined. Among the passengers, eight were from Okara and 32 from Bahawalnagar. Thankfully, 33 people, including women and children, have been rescued so far.
Unfortunately, there are still eight people missing. The rescue operation involves nine boats, three scuba sets, and three army boats, with assistance from Pakpattan and Bahawalnagar districts.
The PDMA urged people to avoid unnecessary travel in areas near the swollen rivers and suggested implementing Section 144 to prevent further loss of life.
According to the Flood Forecasting Division, the Sutlej River is experiencing a low-level flood with 76,000 cusecs at Sulemanki headworks.
