Around 100,000 people have been displaced in Layyah over the past week as severe erosion along the Indus River swept away thousands of homes and damaged farmland and other property.
Punjab authorities have stepped up rescue and relief efforts in the affected areas, particularly around Samra Nasheeb, where the river is rapidly eroding its banks and shifting towards populated settlements.
A special assistant to the Punjab chief minister visited Mauza Samra Nasheeb, inspected the erosion-hit areas and met affected residents to assess the damage and hear their concerns.
The provincial government directed the irrigation department and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to take immediate steps to contain the erosion and remove obstacles to rescue and relief operations.
Machinery has been deployed to the affected areas, while PDMA officials have also reached Samra Nasheeb. Authorities are shifting residents and their belongings to safer locations.
Food, essential supplies and dry rations are being distributed among affected families, while arrangements are also being made for healthcare and transportation.
A special committee has been formed to assess the losses caused by the river erosion. It will evaluate damage to agricultural land, houses and other property before submitting its findings to the chief minister.
Officials said the situation was being monitored continuously and that all available resources and machinery would be used to protect residents in the affected areas.
Residents said Samra Nasheeb was among the worst-hit areas, with the river rapidly eating away at its banks and changing course towards populated settlements. They expressed fears of further destruction if the river reaches Lala Creek.
Thousands of families have reportedly been forced to abandon their homes and are living in tents or in the open. Residents also complained of inadequate assistance and the limited presence of elected representatives in the affected areas.
The erosion has affected at least 10 union councils and several settlements, including Karor, Sehar, Samra Nasheeb, Lohanch, Gishkori Nasheeb, Basti Shado Khan, Kotla Haji Shah, Jhoke Hassan, Alyani, Sikhani, Jismani, Kunjal, Meerani, Wandar and Gurmani, as well as areas inhabited by the Syed community.
A report on the deteriorating situation in Samra Nasheeb was submitted to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz by her Special Assistant Inspection Team.
Following the report, the chief engineers of the irrigation departments in Dera Ghazi Khan and Sargodha were directed to reach the affected sites, assess the situation and take measures to control the erosion.
Layyah Deputy Commissioner Asif Ali Dogar also directed relevant departments to ensure the provision of food, ration, healthcare and transportation to affected residents and ordered continuous monitoring of the situation.
On Sunday, PDMA Director General Saif Anwar Jappa visited Samra Nasheeb and Basti Kunjal in Layyah as authorities continued efforts to prevent further river erosion.
