Punjab authorities use Controlled explosion near Head Qadirabad to divert floodwater
GUJRANWALA: Authorities in Punjab carried out a Controlled explosion near Head Qadirabad creates to deliberately create a breach in the embankment and redirect floodwaters as pressure on the river banks intensified, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
According to the district administration, the strategic explosion was planned after water levels surged, threatening to damage protective structures and inundate nearby settlements. The breach was designed to safely divert the heavy flow into designated floodplains, reducing the risk of uncontrolled flooding in densely populated areas downstream.
Rescue teams, irrigation staff, and local police remained on high alert around the site, while the administration assured that all precautionary steps had been taken to minimize risks to nearby residents. Officials added that announcements were made in advance to warn people in vulnerable areas, urging them to relocate to safer zones.
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The move comes amid ongoing monsoon flooding across Punjab, with rising water levels in major rivers such as Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej. Experts say such preventive breaches, though disruptive for agricultural land, are often necessary to protect lives and critical infrastructure when river flows exceed embankment capacity.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has already issued fresh advisories for Punjab, warning of further water inflows from upstream and urging citizens to strictly follow evacuation guidelines.
