Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib: Heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan have unleashed devastating floods across Punjab province. Among the worst-hit areas is Narowal district, where the sacred Gurdwara Shri Kartarpur Sahib stands. Shocking visuals show the historic shrine and the Kartarpur Corridor completely inundated. Water has entered every corner of the complex, raising concerns for preservation. Pilgrims and locals are distressed seeing the spiritual landmark submerged. Authorities are struggling to manage the rising water levels. The incident has sparked widespread alarm among Sikh communities worldwide.
The Kartarpur Corridor, which facilitates visa-free travel from India, has been badly affected by the floods. Meanwhile, lakhs of people from many areas of Pakistan are being evacuated to safer places due to the sudden rise in the water level of the rivers. Excess water released from Indian dams has also worsened the flood situation in the lower areas of Pakistan.
Rising Flood Threat In Pakistan
So far, about two lakh people have been evacuated to safer places in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The water level of the rivers is constantly rising, and the administration has issued a warning. According to Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), a strong flow of water has been recorded in the Sutlej River, and a large-scale evacuation operation is being carried out in many districts.
Statement of Pakistan’s Punjab government
The Punjab government of Pakistan wrote on its official X account that Punjab is facing a flood situation due to excessive water level. The water flow in the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers has reached dangerous levels. A water flow of 230,000 cusecs has been recorded at Kot Naina of the Ravi River, while the water flow at the head Marala of the Chenab River has reached 922,000 cusecs. In view of the severity of the flood, the Punjab government has deployed the army for relief and rescue operations in seven districts.
Massive rescue operation
According to the government, more than 14,000 people have been evacuated from Kasur district, while about 89,000 people have been sent to safer places from Bahawalnagar city. Both areas are close to the India-Pakistan border and are facing floods. The NDMA has appealed to people to stay away from rivers, drains, and low-lying areas. The organization said that people should not travel unnecessarily and should follow the warnings issued through media, mobile phones, and NDMA’s disaster alert app.
