Express News screengrab of Qaim Ali Shah and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari being briefed on the floods.

Humbled by the reception the people of Punjab gave me. Bhutto day Naray Wajjangai. pic.twitter.com/qXMWVuhWpj — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) September 19, 2014

Express News screengrab of Wattoo addressing the media.

Express News screengrab of Bilawal wading through the water.

Express News screengrab of the vehicle stuck in the mud.

DESIGN: MOHSIN ALAM

Get all the updates of the ongoing floods here. All stories relating to Monsoon 2014 can be found on this trend page as well.According to the NDMA, another person has lost their life, increasing the death toll to 359.According to the NDMA, total number of houses damaged due to floods in Pakistan stands at 56,612.More than 1.7 million people have been affected, whereas over 685,000 people have been evacuated and moved to safer places.More details can be viewed here According to the NDMA, the death toll from floods has soared to 358, with over 1.7 million people affected.While 281 have died in Punjab, 64 in Azad Jammu Kashmir and 13 passed away in Gilgit-Baltistan.More details can be viewed here During the federal cabinet meeting on Monday decided to provide Rs25,000 to flood affected families by Eidul Azha.“Families affected by the floods will be given Rs25,000 by Eid,” Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said, adding that half of that amount will be provided by the federal government and the other half by the provincial government.He said the funds will be provided in a transparent manner, as was done during the 2010 floods.Rashid also said that a survey is underway to assess the amount of damage caused in the wake of the floods, after which the government will provide relief and funding for rebuilding of the damaged caused.The army has sent five trucks containing 40 tonnes of relief goods, including ration, bedding, utensils, medicines and other essential commodities, for flood victims in the affected areas.According to an ISPR press release, the army has set up 29 relief goods collection points in major cities, including three in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority has initiated work on assessment of losses in flood-hit areas in collaboration with the United Nations.Assessments will be carried out in Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Chiniot, Jhang and Multan. The main purpose of the assessment is to identify damages to the infrastructure and rehabilitation of flood victims.The assessment report will be finalised jointly by NDMA and UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.PM Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif are meeting in Raiwind to discuss rehabilitation efforts for the flood victims, as well as the prevailing political situation in the country, Express News reported.UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in a letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed willingness to assist Pakistan in its efforts for relief and rehabilitation of flood victims,reported.Ban Ki-moon lauded the efforts of the government in providing relief to flood victims and extended his condolences to the premier and flood victims over their loss of life and property.Energy-starved Pakistan relies on a multitude of dams and barrages to prevent Himalayan rivers from flooding and help meet its power needs, but the government's failure to prevent disaster four years running is making some experts question their utility.Every year since 2010, which saw the worst floods in the country's history, Pakistan has experienced catastrophic inundations that kill hundreds and wipe out millions of acres of prime farmland, harming the heavily agrarian economy.Starting when the country was still a part of British-ruled India, engineers embarked upon ambitious projects to harness the water that flows from Kashmir through the length of the country to the Arabian Sea.But a campaign for non-structural measures to contain flooding is gradually gaining ground - with proponents arguing that man-made interventions can, counter-intuitively, exacerbate the floods.There are two major arguments - the build up of sediment in a dam shortens its useful lifespan, while the slowing of rivers due to structures mean that silt accumulates, decreasing their capacity.Read full story here According to NDMA , the death toll from floods has soared to 346, with over 1.7 million people affected.The floods have affected 2.35 million acres of land. 617,774 people evacuated in Punjab with 69,020 people moved to camps.In Sindh, 48,592 people evacuated from Sukkur and Larkana with 9,512 people moved into camps.A medium to high flood is expected at Guddu and Sukkur over the next 24 hours.Meanwhile, a scuffle breaks out in Multan among flood victims due to a shortage in the supply of relief goods, Express News reports.Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, addressing the people affected by floods in Multan, reiterates that the first indemnity will be given to the flood victims before Eid.He says the dharnas being staged in the capital will never be forgotten by the public, adding, "The public will never forgive them for this [sit-ins], as they are having a dance party in the wake of people being affected by the floods."Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Peoples Party patron-in-chief, arrives in Ghotki where he will be briefed on the flood situation, Express News reports.He has been accompanied with Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah.The District Administrations of Thatta and Sujawal have declared emergency on all protective embankments of Indus River in both districts, Radio Pakistan reports.The threat of flooding in Sindh has been averted because of the flood water distribution in Punjab, according to the Kotri Barrage Control Room, Express News reports.Water level at Guddu Barrage will decrease in the next two days, the control room further says.Water flow of 342,912 cusecs is passing through Guddu Barrage with the water level receding, Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore said, Radio Pakistan reports.There is a low flood in River Indus at Guddu and Sukkur barrages.According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) figures updated on September 19, the death toll from recent floods across the country has reached 326.While 249 have died in Punjab, 64 in Azad Jammu Kashmir and 13 passed away in Gilgit-Baltistan.More details can be viewed here Meanwhile, PPP patron Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during his visit to flood affected areas of Punjab says he is there to express solidarity with flood affectees. He adds that Punjab is drowning but some in Islamabad were conspiring to drown Pakistan.Bilawal urged political parties to set aside their reservations and come forward to help flood affectees.Further, the PPP patron claimed he would expose the rigging carried out against his party in the 2013 general elections on October 18.Pakistan Peoples Party patron-in-chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said he stands by the flood victims in their hour of difficulty.“Today Punjab is inundated due to floods,” he said while talking to flood victims in Multan.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is visiting the flood victims in Sukkur, Express News reported.The premier was received by Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Pakistan Muslim Laegue-Nawaz leadership.Addressing the media in Lahore, PPP member Manzoor Wattoo says that Former President Asif Ali Zardari has donated 500 trucks of relief supplies to flood victims in Punjab.During a party meeting at Bilawal House in Lahore, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) patron-in-chief, who headed the meeting, said that he will make PPP stronger in Punjab.He also prayed for the flood victims as well as soldiers who lost their lives while participating in Operation Zarb-e-Azb.Party leaders including Chaudhry Pervez Elahi and Sherry Rehman were also present at the meeting.A medium-level flood of less than 400,000 cusecs of water is expected to pass through Sindh’s barrages in the next 24 hours before the water level begins to recede. An estimated 350,000 cusecs of water passed through Guddu Barrage while the water level at Punjnad Barrage receded considerably.In Punjab, the floods continued to wreak devastation as three children were the latest casualties of the deluge. The children, aged between 7 and 10 years, drowned in Kaiyan Wala in Chiniot, bringing the death toll from Punjab to 246. According to the NDMA, the total national death toll is 323.Read the full story here According to the NDMA , 323 people have died due to floods in the country, while 569 people have been injured.Also, FFD Lahore has intimated that according to latest hydrological conditions and breaching of bunds between Qadirabad and Punjnad on River Chenab, the risk of high flood levels in Guddu and Sukkur has decreased significantly.Water level at Guddu Barrage is increasing due to inflow of flood water from Panjnad, Radio Pakistan reports.Areas of District Kashmore, Kandkot, Ghotki, Shikarpur, Larkana, Sukkur, Khairpur, Nowsheroferoz and Dadu have been inundated.Villages in Gotki and Pano Aqil have submerged in water and people have shifted to safety.Furthermore, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said the government has envisioned setting up a joint trust fund with the participation of international donors for the rehabilitation of the flood victims, Radio Pakistan reported.Bilawal is moving towards the flood victims on foot as his vehicle remains stuck in the mud, according to Express News.The PPP patron-in-chief is all smiles despite wading through the muddy water, and is surrounded by people.Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Patron-in-Chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's bullet proof vehicle, which is en route to Chiniot, is stuck in mud due to the floods, Express News reports.Bilawal was scheduled to make a speech in Chiniot and distribute relief items to the flood victims.Efforts to remove the car from the swamp are underway.A scuffle broke out between flood victims as a truck carrying relief goods reached Shujabad, Express News reported.Due to a shortage of relief supplies and mismanagement in distribution, victims started to snatch goods from each other.Punjab CM just left the area after visiting the relief camps.Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif arrived in Multan and while addressing the people affected by floods, reiterates that the first indemnity will be given to the flood victims before Eid, adding that he himself will distribute it.Shahbaz remarks that PTI chief Imran Khan has deserted the flood-affected people during this difficult time and has not shown any empathy towards them.He further criticises Imran, saying that the people of Punjab want his respect not his money.He also says that the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Pervez Khattak was busy attending the sit-in while floods were taking place in Punjab.Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, during his visit to Sukkur Barrage, says that they were prepared in case there was flooding.Sherry Rehman, Qaim Ali Shah, Nisar Khuhro and Owais Muzaffar are accompanying him.The PPP chairperson will go to Chiniot and distribute relief goods to flood victimsPunjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday ordered early survey of losses in flood-hit areas, Radio Pakistan reported.Heading a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Flood Relief in Lahore, the provincial chief minister said restoration of infrastructure in the disaster-hit districts will be done on emergency basis.Shahbaz further directed all concerned departments to take preventive measures to protect affected districts from viral diseases.Irrigation officials in Sindh heaved a sigh of relief on Wednesday amid reports that the floodwater level will start receding today (Thursday). “The danger is over,” said Guddu Barrage Chief Engineer Deewan Dhanomal on Wednesday, adding that the water level by Friday and Saturday will not exceed the 500,000 cusecs mark.Read the full story here Per latest hydrological reports, due to breaches between Qadirabad and Punjad on the Chenab, the risk of a high to very high floods has reduced at Guddu and Sukkur. Hence, authorities now expect a medium to high flood between 400,000 to 500,000 cusecs at Guddu and Sukkur.Civil administration and the army contingents are carrying out rescue and relief operations in the flood affected areas of Bahawalpur and Muzaffargarh districts.According to NDMA, 318 people have been killed by the raging waters so far. Nearly 2 million people and 2.3 million acres have been affected by the floods. Authorities have evacuated over half a million people from Punjab alone.Meanwhile, 12,107 people have been moved into camps in SindhThe flood level is rising at Guddu Barrage where the water flow is currently over 300,000 cusecs, Radio Pakistan reported.Chairman Punjab Cabinet Committee on Floods Shujah Khanzada said floodwater level at Panjnad will drop to 280,000 cusecs after which the flood situation in province will normalise.Residents wade through floodwater in Muzaffargarh. PHOTO: AFPAccording to Flood Warning Center of Met Office in Lahore, 390,000 cusecs of water level was passing through the Panjnad headworks in the morning today, Radio Pakistan reports.In the next 24 hours, the main flood is expected to reach its peak (water level of 400,000 to 500,000 cusecs) at Guddu Barrage.The expected water level in Sindh is likely to remain low because of several breaches in Punjab.Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, who was accompanying Shahbaz hands over a Rs100 million cheque and three trucks of relief goods to the Punjab chief minister for the flood victims, Radio Pakistan reports.Says despite their limited resources, the people of Balochistan have extended help to the flood affected people of Punjab.Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif once again lashes out at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairperson Imran Khan, saying PTI chief should have cancelled or postponed the ongoing protests in Islamabad and shared the sorrow of the people affected by floods.While addressing the flood victims in Multan, the Punjab chief minister also announces that first installment of relief goods will be given to the victims before Eid.“I will come and give it to you myself along with other ministers,” he adds.For more details, read the full story here An estimated 400 villages have been submerged in Alipur district of Punjab and almost 100,000 people displaced within the last 48 hours after the Zameendara dyke was destroyed due to the pressure of floodwater. Meanwhile, an estimated 450,000 cusecs of water will reach Guddu Barrage this morning (Wednesday).The torrent was expected to reach Sukkur Barrage by midnight on Tuesday and will pass through Kotri Barrage after 72 hours. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Tuesday that the death toll from Punjab has risen by eight, revising the over fatality count to 318.read the full story here The water level is gradually receding in River Chenab at Punjnad Headworks,reported.According to FFD Lahore, high flood levels at Guddu and Sukkur have decreased owing to the breaching of dykes between Qadirabad and Punjnad on River Chenab.River Indus at Guddu and Sukkur may attain medium to high flood levels ranging between 400,000 cusecs to 500,000 cusecs from September 16 to September 18.According to NDMA, the death toll from the floods now stands at 317 while over 2,274,690 people have been affected.Donation camps have been established by the Pakistan Army to assist flood victims. The camps have been set up in Gujranwala, Lahore, Multan and Karachi, according to ISPR.Further, donation points in at the Rawalpindi Relief have been established at Askari 11 (Qasim Market), Imran Khan Avenue Chaklala Scheme-3, and F-9 (Fatima Jinnah Park).An FIR has been registered against MNA Jamshed Dasti, DPO Muzzafargarh and 200 other people after flood victims protested against breaching of dykes in the Muzaffargarh area, Express News reported.The protests occurred on September 15 , during which Dasti was beaten by those affected by the floods in the rural areas of Muzaffargarh district on Monday.The crowd also attacked the officials of the district administration and district police officer. DPO Muzaffargarh Rai Zameer ul Haq received minor injuries as the officials were attacked.Residents wade through floodwater in Sher Shah, Multan. PHOTO: AFPWhile addressing the flood-affected people in Muzaffargarh, premier says "government will fulfill it's responsibility to reduce your grief.""I can understand the problems of flood victims and the government will do its best to rehabilitate those affected by the floods," PM Nawaz remarks."Whoever has suffered losses because of floods, we will try to compensate those losses," he adds."I am standing by you; I will help you get back on your feet," the prime minister says.Nawaz also praises the flood victims for their patience in these tough times.He also thanks all those involved in relief activities.PM Nawaz has reached Muzaffargarh and is addressing the flood-affected people.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has left for Muzaffargarh to review the flood situation, Radio Pakistan reports.He will be briefed about the destruction caused by the floods and the ongoing relief activities.There is a high flood of 413,569 cusecs in River Chenab at Panjnad, Radio Pakistan reports.Flood Forecasting Centre Lahore has said that the water level is likely to increase.From today to September 18, water level with a peak of up to 500,000 cusecs will pass at Guddu.Meanwhile, water level is decreasing in Kabirwala, Multan Saddar, Shershah, Muzaffargarh, Shujabad and Jalapur Pirwala. Also, according to Radio Pakistan, Muzaffargarh was safe and there was no chance of water entering the city areas.As water entered Muzaffargarh city on Monday morning, the National Disaster Management Authority said the death toll due to floods has reached 312 in the country. While an estimated 2.3 million have been affected by the devastating floods, roughly 1.9 million acres of crops have also been damaged, the NDMA said.Read the full story here Water passing through breach in Doaba dyke is entering Muzzafargarh city,reports.The city administration has lined up the river bank with sand bags to prevent the water from flowing into the city.According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) figures updated on September 15, the death toll from recent floods across the country has reached to 312.While 232 have died in Punjab, 66 in Azad Jammu Kashmir and 14 passed away in Gilgit-Baltistan.Over 2 million people have been affected by the floods in Punjab alone. Officials have managed to evacuate 0.5 million people from the flood affected zones and moved them to safer places and relief camps.More details can be viewed here Flood victims are protesting against the breaching of dykes in the Muzaffargarh area, Express News reported.The protesting flood victims, who were attempting to close off the breached dykes, want floodwater to enter the city to fertilise agricultural land. MNA Jamshed Dasti was also attacked by protesters.As protesters pelted police with stones, back up was requested in an attempt to disperse the protesters.An alliance of militant groups fighting in Indian-occupied Kashmir announced Monday it was suspending jihadist activities to carry out rescue and relief work for flood victims.Talking to AFP, Syed Salahuddin, United Jihad Council's supreme commander accused the Indian government of not doing enough for ordinary flood victims in Kashmir.He also blasted the Pakistani government for not caring about the flood victims in Kashmir and termed it “criminal negligence”.Read the full story here Flood victims surround PML-N MPA Muhammad Ali’s Khokhar’s vehicle to protest against relief goods not being supplied, Express News reported.The risk of high flood levels in Guddu and Sukkur has decreased after dykes were breached between Qadirabad and Panjnad, Radio Pakistan reported.According to the Flood Warning Division, a high peak of flood water of about 380,000 cusecs is currently heading towards Guddu Barrage through the Panjnad Headworks.The flood tide is expected to reach Guddu Barrage within the next 24 hours, and the flood peak is expected to reach 400,000 to 500,000 cusecs.River Chenab is in low flood at Trimmu Headworks and the water level there is said to be decreasing.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reached a flood relief centre in Sher Shah, Express News reported.The premier is being briefed by chief commissioner floods on the damage caused by floods as well as the relief and rescue efforts in the area."I want to thank all those participating in the relief and rescue operations," PM Nawaz said, addressing the residents of Sher Shah."We will help in rehabilitation and rebuilding of houses," the premier said, adding, "Punjab CM and I will overlook these efforts."Express News screengrab of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif being briefed in Sher Shah.Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said he will not sit in peace till the rehabilitation of flood victims, during his visit to flood-hit areas of Uch Sharif.“This flood is the worst in the history of Punjab,” he said.“Flood victims will be compensated for damages,” Shahbaz added.The chief minister lauded efforts of those participating in rescue operations.Flood victims are protesting on Sargodha Road in Jhang against mismanagement in ration distribution, Express News reported.The protesters claim they have only been given ration once by the army.Army relief efforts and rescue operations in Uch Sharif, Muzaffargarh and Multan are underway as floods continue to wreak havoc.According to an ISPR press release, over 41,000 people have been shifted to safer places while 18 military hospitals have provided medical assistance to 4,286 victims so far.





Further, army has distributed 127 tonnes of ration in the flood-hit areas.



.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................









A naib subehdar has died during a rescue operation in Multan, according to an ISPR press release.



#Flood Relief:Subedar Annab embraced shahadat during flood rescue at Multan.Earlier,a soldier embraced shahadat at Sialkot in same effort — Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) September 14, 2014



.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................



A naib subehdar has died during a rescue operation in Multan, according to an ISPR press release.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, while addressing people affected by floods in Muzaffargarh, says that after the floods in 1972 and 1949, this year's floods are the biggest.He also pays tribute to all those involved in the rescue operation."I will not relax till all the flood victims have been rehabilitated," says the provincial chief minister.A roof of a house, damaged by floods, in Sialkot collapsed, resulting in the death of a woman and her daughter, Express News reports.The incident took place in the Dalowali area of the city and another woman, relative of the deceased, was also critically injured.She has been taken to a local hospital for medical assistance.In the next 24 hours, floodwater from Panjnad is expected to reach Guddu Barrage, Radio Pakistan reports.Irrigation staff as well as that of other relevant departments have been put on high alert.Teams of the NDMA have shifted at least 232,000 flood victims to safer locations, Radio Pakistan reports.NDMA teams have been deployed along Chenab and Jhelum rivers to help people in the flood-hit areas. These teams are also overseeing the relief and rescue operation in Multan and Muzaffargarh.Punjab government has released Rs2 billion for rehabilitation, rescue operation and relief activities in the flood-hit districts, Radio Pakistan reports.The provincial government has released Rs100 million for each district affected by floods.A high flood in Chenab River of more than 300,000 cusecs is passing through Panjnad headworks, Express News reports.Around eight to 10 feet water has entered houses as Rasulpur, Dedhbakhtiari and Chek Kehel dyke breaks.Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said the government is working day and night in rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts of flood victims, during his visit to Sheikhupura district, Radio Pakistan reported.The chief minister also conducted an aerial surveillance of flood-hit areas of Multan and Muzaffargarh and visited Multan to assess damaged caused by floods and overlook relief activities in the area.Army rescue and relief operations continue in flood-hit areas of Multan, Muzaffargarh, Uchsharif, Bahawalpur and Athara Hazari, according to an ISPR press release Seven army helicopters have flown for 206 hours since September 5 while 300 boats are also being used in the rescue operations.The statement added that 37,000 people have been rescued by army troops so far and 80 tonnes of ration have been aerially dropped for flood victims in these areas.Further, 18 army medical camps have been established.Doaba dyke was breached to save Muzaffargarh city from floods,reported.Pakistan army soldiers have made another breach in Doaba dyke to ensure the stream of flood water does not enter the city.The decision to make a second breach was made after water started to enter the city despite the first breach.Meanwhile, DCO Muzaffargarh has declared emergency in some areas of the city and asked residents living along Taliri canal to move to safer places.Express News screengrab of army soldiers looking over as they breached Doaba dyke.As relief efforts continue, the army has shifted 3,000 flood victims to safer places from Multan and Muzaffargarh, Radio Pakistan reported.Five army helicopters have distributed 15,000 kilogramme of ration to flood victims so far and medical camps have been set up in both the cities.According to an ISPR release, Multan Corps Commander Lt General Abid Pervaiz is visiting flood-hit areas on a daily basis.Pakistan Navy Rescue teams comprising specialised divers, Zulu boats and helicopters are conducting extensive rescue and relief operations.Further, the Navy has handed over 10 tonnes of ration for flood victims to the minister in charge of flood relief efforts in Chiniot District.Soldiers load relief supplies on to a helicopter during relief operations in Shuja Abaad, some 40 kms from Multan. PHOTO: AFPPunjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif during his visit to flood-hit areas took notice of mismanagement during ration distribution and ordered the suspension of Pir Mahal's assistant commissioner, Express News reported.The chief minister has ordered the removal of DCO Toba Tek Singh from his post as well.





Tragedy struck a wedding party on Sunday just as the authorities made desperate efforts to save Muzaffargarh city from the flood-swollen Chenab River, eclipsing in part the valiant struggle by civil and military officials to spare residents and their lands from the raging floodwaters.





Twenty people, including a bridegroom, drowned when a boat carrying a wedding party capsized in rough waters in a flooded rural area near Shershah dyke. Another 18 people were rescued in a 12-hour-long operation involving helicopters and divers of the army and navy.Read the full story here Express News screengrab of soldiers rescuing the drowned.A breach in Tilari stream in Thatta Sial area leads to floodwater moving towards Muzaffargarh city.Residents, on their own, are moving out of the area along with their valuables.reports that a dyke in the area was not blown up to protect a factory of an influential person, resulting in this disaster.Pakistan Army plants explosives to blow up Doaba dyke on Chenab River in its bid to save Muzaffargarh from floods.The nearby areas have also been evacuated to ensure minimum loss.

Express News screengrabs of soldiers planting explosives to blow up the dyke.

The Sher Shah dyke which was blown up on Saturday to save the Multan city. PHOTO: APP

@ Athara Hazari monitoring flood relief activities pic.twitter.com/MLLa74zMgM — Abid Sher Ali (@AbidSherAli) September 13, 2014

Number of casualties caused by recent floods in districts of Punjab

While the roaring monsoon deluge heads towards Sindh after devastating most parts of central and South Punjab, officials accused of negligence during the 2010 epic floods have been promoted, even though an inquiry commission had recommended their dismissal.Read the full story here The administration has evacuted over 200,000 people from Multan, Shujabaad and Jalalpur Pirwala during the last 24 hours due to mounting pressure of water in the Chenab River amid reports that six people were swept away by the strong current of floodwater in Multan, Muzaffargarh and Vehari districts.Read the full story here The Sindh government has asked the people living along River Indus in underdeveloped areas to move to safer places in view of the flood situation, Radio Pakistan reports.The District Administrations of Larkana, Shikarpur and Kashmore-Kandkot districts have been ordered to ensure the evacuation of the population under threat .Over six to seven hundred thousand cusecs of water is expected to pass through Panjnad in 24 to 48 hours.Some 280 people have died from heavy rains and flooding in Punjab, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, Ahmed Kamal, a spokesman for the National Disaster Management Authority, told AFP, while over 214,000 people have been evacuated.The NDMA further says as many as 2.29 million people have been affected by the floods.PM Nawaz announced to waive off electricity bills of Athara Hazari during his visit to relief camps in the district of Jhang."The federal government will not rest till the complete rehabilitation of flood victims," the premier said, reiterating that it is the government's responsibility to provide relief to flood victims.Further, he promised to financially help flood victims rebuild their houses damaged by floods.Express News screengrab of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif talking to residents of Athara Hazari in Jhang.The Sindh government has directed Larkana, Shikarpur and Kashmore-Kandkot district administrations to evacuate people from kachi abadis to safer places, Radio Pakistan reports.The water inflow of over 207,000 cusecs was reportedly recorded in the morning today in upstream at Guddu Barrage, however, the outflow remained over 180,000 cusecs.River Indus is flowing in low flood at Guddu Barrage in Sindh, which will remain low for the next 24 hours.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited a relief camp for flood affected people at Athara Hazari in Jhang, Express News reported.During his visit, the premier was briefed on the damage caused by floods and the ongoing relief operation.PM Nawaz was informed that 104 villages in Athara Hazari have been affected by floods, as well as cotton and rice crops.Residents affected by flooding sit inside their tents on high ground in Sher Shah in Multan. PHOTO: AFPPrime Minister Nawaz Sharif has left for Athara Hazari in Jhang district, to review flood relief work, Radio Pakistan reports.The battle to save Multan from the threat posed by flooded Chenab River continues as the Sher Shah dyke was breached further with the help of cranes to ensure diversion of water away from Multan, Express News reports.During his visit to Muzaffargarh, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that government will compensate people affected by floods, adding that every step will be taken to rehabilitate flood-hit people, Radio Pakistan reports.The Punjab chief minister also inquired about difficulties of the flood victims in Multan, during his visit to the city.In the next 24 to 48 hours, a high flood of 600,000 to 700,000 cusecs will pass through Panjnad, according to the Flood Forecasting Center in Lahore, Radio Pakistan reports.The high flood in Chenab River is passing through Multan and Muzaffargarh and heading towards Panjnad Headworks, posing a threat to towns in South Punjab.The areas of Kabir Wala, Multan Saddar, Tehsil Muzaffargarh, Shujabad, Jalalpur Pir Wala and Ali Pur will remain under huge pressure of water today.The cuts made at Muhammad Wala and Sher Shah dykes are expected to reduce pressure on Panjnad Headworks.Balochistan’s Secretary Irrigation Naseebullah Bazai has warned that there would be widespread devastation in Naseerabad and Jaffarabad districts of the province if the Tori dyke is breached.Read the full story here According to Radio Pakistan , China has expressed grief over the loss of lives in recent floods in Pakistan. Extending support, they expressed the hope that the masses and the government would soon overcome the disaster.The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad on behalf of the Red Cross of China has also handed over fifty thousand dollars cash assistance to Pakistan Red Crescent Society for the flood victims, the report adds.Pakistan Army has rescued over 30,000 people stranded in flood waters across the country, Radio Pakistan reports.The report adds that army has also provided over 52 tonnes of ration to the flood victims, whereas two medical camps have also been set-up in various flood-hit areas.Breach in Sher Shah dyke fails to serve purpose as water couldn't be cleared and the levels are now rising,reports.Now it is feared that the flood water may advance towards Muzzaffargarh, where Doaba dyke already has a rising level, which if breached, many areas of the area may be affected.Meanwhile, NDMA says so far 274 people have perished in the floods with nearly 1.9 million people and 3,000 villages affected with 43,000 houses damaged in 10 districts.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, while being briefed during a cabinet meeting, issued directives to concerned authorities to evaluate the damage caused by the floods and make an estimate as early as possible. He also directed NDMA to take necessary preventive measures to protect the province of Sindh where flood waters are expected to reach in the next few days.According to latest hydrological conditions, River Indus at Guddu is likely to attain high to very high flood levels ranging between 600,000 to 700,000 cusecs between September 14, 2014 and September 16, 2014.The floods are expected to reach Sukkur between September 16, 2014, and September 17, 2014. A high to very high flood is expected with levels ranging between 600,000 to 700,000 cusecs.It is expected that Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Ghotki and Sukkur districts will be inundated.Sher Shah protective dyke has been breached with help of explosives to prevent Multan city from flooding,reports.Preparations for the breach of the Sher Shah dyke in Multan have been completed, Express News reports.DCO Multan Zahid Salim, while speaking to Express News, says the flow of water would have had dire consequences on the area had they not made these preparations ."The water is now moving forward and into the sea," he says.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reaches the flood affected area of Bhawaniya, Punjab.He is being briefed on the flood situation, as well as the rescue and relief efforts taken in the region by the civil administration.Read here for the full story.As the flow of water coming through Head Muhammad Wala continues to rise, local administration blew up the dyke again at a point little further away from the earlier breach to stop water from inundating Multan city.According to a Radio Pakistan report, Met Office says flood of 0.6 million cusecs will pass through Panjnad in the next twenty four hours.With 79,000 cusecs water-level at Panjand, Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Riaz says the flood is likely to inundate several areas including Rahim Yar Khan, Multan and Muzaffargarh.Amid many tragedies caused by floods in Punjab, rescue and relief efforts are still underway as the army operations continue in flood-hit areas of Jhang, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan districts, according to a Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release.Read the full story here.

Soldier uses a boat to evacuate villagers from Jhang. PHOTO: ONLINE

The 100-foot breach in Head Muhammad Wala has also cut off roads from Multan to Kot Addu and Jhang.Authorities breach Head Muhammad Wala to divert and decrease the flow of water away from Multan city. This breach has disconnected the land route between Muzaffargarh and Multan.National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warn s of floods in the River Indus in Guddu and Sukkur as the death toll from the floods in upper Punjab rose to 264.According to the NDMA, River Indus in Guddu is most likely to attain a very high flood level that will range between 600,000 to 700,000 Cusecs on September 15 and 16.Read full story here NDMA says 257 people were killed and more than 1.1 million affected — a figure that includes both those stranded at home and those who fled after the floods hit.

Flood-affected residents are evacuated by boat to dry land in Jhang on September 11, 2014. PHOTO: AFP

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visits flood-hit areas of Forward Kahuta in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where he was informed that rainwater has not caused any damage to basic infrastructure of Neelum Jhelum hydel project, however, trade and bus service to Indian-administered Kashmir is suspended due to the calamity.The premier is told that floods have destroyed 15 big and 175 small bridges in the area while Muzaffarabad-Chakothi road is temporary closed.Announcing the release of relief packages worth Rs100 million to each district affected by the monsoon rains, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif says it is government’s prime responsibility to evacuate stranded people. He says people were removed from most of the flood-hit areas.The provincial chief minister, while speaking to media in Chiniot, says three helicopters are being used for carrying food and medicines to flood victims.Pakistan Army troops have rescued 22,000 people stranded by floodwaters around Punjab and Azad Kashmir.According to Radio Pakistan , the army is continuing with it’s relief work in Athara Hazari, Jhang, Chiniot, Ahmadpur Sial and Pir Kot, adding that the army is using seven helicopters and 100 boats for rescue operation. Further, the army has distributed 35 tonnes of food among the flood victims.

Soldiers help rescued villagers affected by flooding on the outskirts of Multan on September 11, 2014. PHOTO: AFP

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar directs National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to start assessment of damages in the flood-affected areas and told all concerned authorities to provide realistic estimates of the damage caused before any rehabilitation work is undertaken.He further tells NDMA to inform the public about losses caused to life and property in Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) and Punjab to direct relief efforts to places where it is most required.Turkish Prime Minister Ahmed Dawood Oglu speaks to PM Nawaz and expresses grief over the losses caused by floods.

A flood-affected woman looks on amid relief tents at the Athara Hazari area in Jhang on September 11, 2014. PHOTO: AFP

As floodwaters move downstream through Punjab, Multan and Muzaffargarh are under serious threat of flooding in the next 24 hours, Express News reported.To save the cities from the swollen Chenab River, explosives have been planted to blow three strategic dykes to divert the floodwater away from Muzaffargarh and Multan.The army is monitoring important installations and headworks in Multan while the city’s Corps Commander is directly overseeing the situation. All schools in the area are also closed for the next two days.High flood of 600,000-700,000 cusecs is likely to flow through River Chenab at Punjnad from Friday to Monday, Radio Pakistan reported on Wednesday as the death toll from the floods reached 257.According to data released by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday, death toll has reached 257, while number of those injured due to the floods and monsoon rains has climbed to 461.Read the full story here In Jhang, authorities deliberately breached an embankment to divert floodwaters, a senior provincial disaster management official told AFP."This breach was the last option to save the lives and property of residents in Jhang, this was a must to save the city," the official told AFP.Read here for the full story.A man carries a sheep on his back as he wades through floodwater at a village on the outskirts of Multan. PHOTO: AFPThe army has so far rescued 2,500 people from flood affected areas, Express News reported quoting the ISPR.According to the statement, seven army helicopters and 90 boats are working on rescue operations in Jhang and Chiniot.Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has announced a donation of Rs100 million for flood victims, Express News reported.A girl affected by flooding, walks besides tents at a village on the outskirts of Multan. PHOTO: AFPThe death toll from the floods now stands at 256, AFP reported.Nearly 600,000 people have been affected and crops damaged, the National Disaster Management Authority said.As the floodwaters move downriver, there are fears of more inundations.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held a meeting with federal ministers to discuss floods and prevailing political situation in the country, Radio Pakistan reported.Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, Minister for Planning and Developing Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for States and Frontier Regions Abdul Qadir Baloch and Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid were present in the meeting.Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif will visit flood-hit areas of Chiniot today to review the arrangements made to deal with the situation. He is also scheduled to visit Trimmu Headworks, Jhang and Multan to review the rescue and relief activities in the areas.The Chenab River is flooded at Trimmu Headworks with inflow of 509,000 cusecs, Radio Pakistan reports. According to Flood Warning Center of Met Office in Lahore, water level at Trimmu is steady since some time but is expected to rise.In Ravi River, there is a medium-level flood at Balloki Headworks, where the water inflow at present is 99,970 cusecs.Water level at all other rivers' points are now reportedly normal.A dyke at Athari Hazari has been broken down to divert the flood in Chenab River to remote areas of Jhang district, Express News reports.The Athara Hazari tehsil of Jhang was completely evacuated yesterday.At least 30,000 flood affectees have been rescued in Jhang, according to Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

Locals hold a man as he falls from a tractor evacuating flood victims to higher ground. PHOTO: REUTERS

#Army Chief #Gen Raheel reaches close to Qadirabad Headworks to review rescue work by Army in flood affected areas. — Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) September 9, 2014

The swollen Chenab River is rampaging through central Punjab, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Authorities said on Tuesday that the next “20 hours are extremely crucial” for the inhabitants of Jhang city which has been threatened by floods after a long time.Read the full story here High level of flood in Chenab and Jhelum rivers has reached Trimmu headworks in Jhang district, Radio Pakistan reported.According to details the high levels of flood with combined thrust of Chenab, Jhelum and Ravi has reached Trimmu headwork, where the discharge of flood water is continuously being monitored for reducing the impact of floods on population at risk.On the other hand water level in some areas of Sargodha Division is receding and situation is fully under control. He said a report of crops and property loss is being prepared for the provision of compensation to the flood affectees.According to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) so far 156 people have lost their lives in Punjab and 64 have died in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in rain and flood related incidents, while 287 people were injured in Punjab and 109 in AJK.Eleven people have died and five others were injured in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) in rain related incidents.1,413 houses were partially damaged while 265 were destroyed in Punjab, while number of villages affected is 1,337 with 551,159 people affected. According to NDMA data, total crop area affected by floods was 435,843 acres.In Azad Kashmir, 3,986 houses were partially while 2,132 have been completely destroyed, with over thirty thousand affected in AJK.The number of relief camps established in different areas of Punjab is 299, while only two camps were set up in AJK for the affected people.NDMA has already dispatched 10,000 tents, 31 Boats, 100 Life Jackets to Government of Punjab and 200 tents, 1000 blankets and 3 Rubber Boats to Islamabad Capital Territory. In addition, 3000 tents, 3000 blankets and 1500 plastic mats have been dispatched to SDMA and 275 tents have been provided to GBDMA.Currently, 12 helicopters and 574 boats are taking part in the rescue operations and approximately 2300 Army troops are taking part in the rescue operations.Army troops use a boat to rescue residents affected by flooding from a village in Pindi Bhatian, some 105 kilometers northeast of Lahore. PHOTO: AFPExpressing concern over floods in Punjab, and its eventual transfer into Sindh, MQM MNAs in a joint statement demanded that the Sindh government deploy concerned departments to help with relief and rescue operations.The MNAs also asked the Sindh government to refurbish embankments and canals to prepare for floods.“The water level has increased at Hala and possibly a stream of hundreds of thousands of cusecs of water has entered into the Sindh region,” the statement said.“The government should not to confine themselves to merely announcing rain-emergencies in the province but should step forward to stop the possible devastation of the calamity,” it added.The MNAs warned that the government would be responsible for any damage caused due to the flood and torrential rains.According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) 31,770 people have been evacuated so far.Army chief General Raheel Sharif visited the flood affected areas in Gujranwala and Mandi Bahauddin today, according to an ISPR press release General Raheel appreciated the efforts of the field formations and army aviation working to provide relief to the flood victims.Further, he directed the commanders to remain proactive and employ all available resources for the rescue and relief efforts.“The army will leave no stone unturned to help their brethren affected by the flood,” he pledged.United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is working closely with the Pakistani government in flood affected areas, Radio Pakistan reported.People shift to safer areas from Jhang. PHOTOS: APPPTI chairman Imran Khan has reached Sialkot to review the flood situation, Express News reported.Addressing the media in Jalalpur Bhattian, PM Nawaz expressed grief over the damage caused by the floods."Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is also visiting flood-areas to overlook relief and rescue operations," he said."The flood was so sudden and unexpected, we did not anticipate that such destruction will be caused," the premier said, adding, that he and his government will not leave the people stranded in their hour of need."It is the government's responsibility to aid in rebuilding houses damaged by the floods," the PM added.Further, the premier stressed the need to build better infrastructure and stronger homes to prepare for such calamities.PM Nawaz also praised the efforts of rescue teams and police helping with the crisis.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reached Jalalpur Bhattian, where he was briefed on how many people have been rescued and the relief efforts in the area.The premier conducted an aerial surveillance of the flood-affected areas before landing.The DPO and irrigation staff are also present with the PM, along with Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid and Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarrar.Express News screengrab of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Jalalpur Bhattian.The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Sun Weidong presented a cheque of Rs2 million to Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry.The money was raised by the Chinese Embassy for the victims of the recent floods, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement.Weidong presents the cheque to Aizaz Ahmad. PHOTO: PIDDCO Jhang has ordered people to evacuate the area, Express News reported.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has left Sialkot for Jalalpur Bhattian to review the flood situation in the area, Express News reported.Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has reached Wazirabad, Express News reported.Shahbaz Sharif has announced that all houses damaged will be rebuilt as soon as possible.Defence Minister Khawaja Asif revealed that 128 had lost their lives due to the floods in Punjab.During his address to the joint session of Parliament, Asif said, according to government estimates, the floods had left 270,000 injured, submerged1,053 villages, and completely destroyed 191 houses.Read here for the full story.Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif surveyed Jhang city on Tuesday to monitor flood developments in the region,reported.Irrigation Secretary of Punjab, Mian Yawar Zaman, and Jhang’s chief engineer briefed CM Shahbaz Sharif on the current situation and threat level to the city.Read here for the full story.Army chief General Raheel Sharif has reached Qadirabad Headworks to overlook army’s relief efforts and rescue operations for flood victims in the area, DG ISPR Asim Bajwa tweeted.Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has donated Rs100 million for flood victims, Express News reported, quoting an ISPR press release.Read here for the full story.Authorities in Jhang district raised alarm on Monday as the water level in Head Trimmu surged in the wake of an unprecedented flow in the Jhelum and Chenab rivers.The district administration has chalked out a contingency plan to breach the Athara Hazari embankment to save the urban population of Jhang after ordering evacuation of Athara Hazari tehsil which comprises more than 250,000 spread across 260-plus villages.Read here for the full story.