DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A major breach in the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) near Paharpur flooded the nearby settlements on Monday night, damaging houses, shops, roads and standing crops while forcing the evacuation of dozens of residents and livestock.
The breach occurred near the house of Akram Khan in the Paharpur area, sending a large volume of water towards nearby settlements.
The floodwater crossed a road and reached the Pir Ashab locality, while its flow was reportedly heading towards Khhajji Shehzad.
The residents of Wanda Narkani were also alerted to remain vigilant.
The officials said at least 70 people and 40 domestic animals had so far been shifted to safer places.
Several houses, boundary walls and shops collapsed, while a number of other houses suffered extensive damage.
The roads and standing crops were also affected.
The residents spent the night awake amid fears of further flooding.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi took notice of the breach and contacted senior Wapda officials, directing them to launch immediate relief operations and dispatch heavy machinery to the affected area to control the flow and minimise the damage.
The officials said water discharge had been completely stopped from the Head Bilot point, while it was diverted to Mandhran drain from Pusha bridge in order to reduce pressure on the canal.
The Rescue 1122 teams launched an evacuation operation soon after receiving reports of the breach.
Six ambulances, a disaster vehicle, a fire vehicle, six rescue boats and around 50 rescue personnel were deployed in the affected area, with additional resources kept on standby.
The Pakistan Army also joined the rescue and relief operation and assisted in shifting residents to safer locations.
On the directives of commissioner Dawood Khan, deputy commissioner Hikmatullah Khan reached the affected area late at night and supervised relief activities.
The district administration turned the Government High School No 1 and Government Degree College Paharpur as temporary shelters for families whose houses were affected by floodwater or who needed immediate evacuation.
Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2026
