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Lahore: Authorities in Punjab have decided to demolish Rawaz Bridge by explosion so that Jhang and Chiniot areas can be protected from floodwaters. This decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary of Punjab, in which measures to divert the Chenab River water from densely populated areas were considered.

The water flow at Trimu Barrage has reached 1,20,000 cusecs, and officials have predicted another major flood wave by evening. Meanwhile, the administration has issued orders to immediately shift residents of Nankana, Sheikhupura and Toba Tek Singh to safer places. More officers have been deployed to intensify relief operations in the affected areas.

According to the figures so far, at least 17 people have died in the floods in Punjab, lakhs of acres of crops have been destroyed, houses have been damaged, and critical infrastructure has been severely affected. In total, more than 1.4 million people have been affected, out of which 265,000 people have been shifted to safer places.

A flood wave of 8,17,000 cusecs has inundated low-lying areas in Chiniot, while several villages in Arifwala have been submerged due to the overflowing of the Sutlej River, and cotton, rice and maize crops have been completely destroyed.

According to officials in Shahdara near Lahore, the level of the Ravi River has fallen to 2,20,000 cusecs, a sign of some relief after last night's severe storms.

Pakistani officials also said that excess water released from dams in India was also a major cause of flooding in the rivers, which has further worsened the situation in Punjab.

Experts have warned that monsoon rains are becoming more erratic and destructive due to climate change. More than 800 people have died in Pakistan since June due to the effects of the monsoon and landslides.