Flash Floods in Jhelum: Heavy Rains on Kallar Kahar Hills Inundate Lillah Sharif Town
Heavy monsoon rains in the Kallar Kahar hills of the Salt Range triggered flash floods on Monday, causing serious damage in Lillah Sharif town, Jhelum district. The floodwaters inundated several residential areas, damaged dozens of houses, and washed away the vital link road to Esawaal town, leaving many residents stranded.
Flash Floods Hit Salt Range Areas
Heavy monsoon rains in the Kallar Kahar hills of the Salt Range triggered destructive flash floods in Lillah Sharif town, Jhelum district, leaving homes damaged and roads swept away. The sudden floodwaters submerged several residential areas and cut off the main Lillah–Esawaal link road, leaving many families stranded.
Rescue 1122 Launches Emergency Response
Authorities moved quickly to minimize casualties. Rescue 1122 teams established flood rescue points across Jhelum district, deploying extra staff and equipment.
- Flood posts were set up in Rasulpur, Domeli, Ghura Chaudhrian, Nogran Khurd, Darapur, and Jalalpur Sharif.
- Residents of vulnerable localities were advised to shift to safer zones along with valuables and livestock.
Local Communities Struggle Amid Damage
The floods, fed by overflow from Niromi and Neela Wahan lakes, surged through nearby nullahs and washed away local infrastructure. Villages including Dhoke Rajial, Dhoke Hajiyal, Dera Nasiruddin, Dhoke Mial, and Dhoke Maswal lost direct road connections.
Frustrated locals reported that the self-funded Lillah–Esawaal link road, built with contributions from residents, collapsed under flood pressure. They blamed the faulty design of the Jalalpur Sharif canal project, which directed floodwaters toward residential areas instead of diverting them safely.
Public Appeal to Punjab Government
Residents have appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for immediate intervention. They demand the construction of a durable link road along with a revamped drainage system to prevent future disasters. Officials from the canal project visited the site and assured locals that protective measures will be proposed once the rains subside.
Long-Term Need for Flood Management
This disaster underscores the urgent requirement for:
- Improved flood management systems
- Better drainage planning
- Resilient infrastructure in flood-prone areas
While timely rescue operations saved lives, the destruction of houses, schools, and roads has left thousands struggling. Experts emphasize that without long-term flood prevention strategies, such monsoon disasters will continue to devastate Punjab’s vulnerable regions.