D.I. KHAN: A breach in the Chashma Right Bank Canal near Paharpur tehsil in Dera Ismail Khan has caused flooding in nearby settlements, damaging houses, shops, boundary walls, roads, and agricultural land.
District authorities, irrigation officials, and rescue teams responded to the incident, with at least 70 people and 40 animals evacuated from areas affected by the rising water.
Water Flow Reduced After Breach
Authorities moved to control the situation by stopping water releases from Chashma Barrage and operating several escape channels, including Baloot Escape, Bandkorai Escape, and Pasha Escape.
The measures were aimed at reducing pressure on the canal system and limiting further flooding of residential areas, roads, and farmland.
Rescue 1122 teams were also deployed to assist residents and issue evacuation announcements. Flooding disrupted road links between some affected localities, making movement more difficult.
Second Canal Breach Reported This Year
The latest incident follows another breach in the same canal system earlier in 2026.
In March, a section of the Chashma Right Bank Canal near Mochianwala in Paharpur reportedly developed a breach measuring around 150 feet. At that time, officials attributed the damage to porcupine burrows weakening the canal embankment.
The March incident also affected nearby homes and crops and required emergency repair work. Authorities later reported that the damaged section had been restored and the canal returned to operation.
The September breach is therefore a separate incident involving the same canal system within the same district.
Cause of Latest Breach Under Review
The exact cause of the latest breach has not yet been established. It is also unclear whether the incident is connected to the vulnerability identified during the March breach or resulted from another factor.
Authorities have not announced a specific timeline for completing repairs or fully restoring the affected section.
Concerns for Nearby Communities
The repeated incidents have raised concerns about flood exposure for settlements and agricultural land located close to the canal. However, a technical assessment would be required to determine whether there is an underlying structural issue with the affected embankment.
Residents, farmers, and property owners along vulnerable sections of the canal corridor should monitor official updates from district administration and irrigation authorities, particularly during periods of high water flow.
For properties located close to major irrigation channels, buyers and landowners should also consider drainage arrangements, elevation, previous flood incidents, and the condition of nearby embankments when assessing potential flood risks.
