The daily flag lowering ceremony at the Ganda Singh Wala border between Pakistan and India has been cancelled after floodwater entered the parade ground and corridor, officials confirmed on Monday.
Floodwater disrupts border ceremony
According to reports, the cancellation came after a breach in the Ganda Singh Wala dam caused floodwater to spill into the border area. The heavy water relay inundated the parade ground, making it unsafe for the ceremony to take place.
Ceremony to remain suspended
Authorities have announced that the flag-lowering ceremony will remain suspended until the floodwater recedes and conditions return to normal. The decision has been taken to ensure the safety of participants and visitors on both sides of the border.
The floods in Ganda Singh Wala, Kasur, have not only affected people but also deprived animals of fodder. Villagers are deeply worried about how to feed their livestock, as floodwater has destroyed grazing areas and supplies.
With no fodder available, animals can be seen wandering in search of food. Victims of the floods are now appealing for urgent help, saying: “Don’t give us food, give fodder for our animals.”
Also Read: India contacts Pakistan amid high flood alert on Sutlej and Chenab
According to the PDMA spokesperson, a “very high” level of flooding is being witnessed in parts of the Sutlej and Chenab, particularly at Ganda Singh Wala and Trimmu Headworks, while water levels in the Ravi are also rising. The situation, officials warned, is likely to persist until September 5.
The PDMA further cautioned that heavy rainfall in the upper reaches of the rivers until September 3 could trigger urban flooding in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat over the next 72 hours.
A day ago, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited Kasur’s flood relief camp, announcing a Rs1 million reward for Rescue 1122 for its performance in rescue operations. She praised the PDMA and local administrations for their efforts but stressed that more support will be needed as floodwaters advance.
