M5 Motorway closed to traffic at risk
M5 Motorway closed to traffic at risk: The M5 Motorway closure at Jalalpur Pirwala has raised concerns among travelers and authorities alike. Heavy floodwaters in the region have caused erosion risks near the motorway, forcing authorities to take immediate safety measures. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, along with the National Highway Authority (NHA) and local administration, is actively working to prevent any serious damage to this critical highway.
M5 Motorway Closure at Jalalpur Pirwala
According to PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, the M5 Motorway has been closed for all types of traffic near Jalalpur Pirwala. This decision was made due to the threat of erosion caused by nearby floodwaters. There is a growing concern that if timely measures are not taken, the motorway could be breached, leading to severe disruption in transportation and public safety risks.
Travelers are being advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes until the situation is brought under control and the motorway is declared safe for use.
Emergency Response Measures by PDMA and NHA
To counter the threat, PDMA Punjab, NHA, and the concerned district administration have launched urgent operations to protect the motorway.
As part of their strategy, sandbags and large stones are being placed along the vulnerable areas of the motorway to prevent further erosion. The goal is to create a strong barrier against the force of floodwaters and ensure the safety of the infrastructure.
DG Irfan Ali Kathia emphasized that all possible resources are being mobilized to safeguard the M5 Motorway and minimize damage.
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Current Flood Situation in Punjab
Despite the risk near Jalalpur Pirwala, there is some positive news. According to DG PDMA, floodwaters are gradually receding across Punjab.
He shared that:
- In Jalalpur Pirwala, a clear reduction in floodwater is expected within the next 24 hours.
- The Panjnad River’s flow has dropped to 392,000 cusecs, a sign of improving conditions.
- At Guddu Barrage, the water flow is currently at 627,000 cusecs, but it’s also expected to decline soon.
This decrease in water levels brings hope that the erosion risk might reduce in the coming days.
موٹروے
ڈی جی عرفان علی کاٹھیا کے مطابق سیلابی پانی کے کٹائو کے باعث موٹروے میں بریچنگ کا خدشہ ہے۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ پی ڈی ایم اے پنجاب، این ایچ اے اور متعلقہ انتظامیہ موٹروے کے بچاؤ کے لیے اقدامات کر رہے ہیں، موٹروے کو بڑے کٹاؤ سے بچانے کے لیے سینڈ بیگ اور پتھر استعمال کیے جا رہے ہیں۔
ڈی جی پی ڈی ایم اے کا کہنا ہے. کہ آئندہ 24 گھنٹوں میں جلال پور پیر والا میں سیلابی پانی میں واضح کمی ہو جائے گی۔ پنجاب کے دریاؤں میں پانی کے بہاو میں تیزی سے کمی ہو رہی ہے۔ انہوں نے بتایا کہ پنجند کے مقام پر پانی کا بہاؤ کم ہو کر 3 لاکھ 92 ہزار ہو گیا ہے۔ گڈو بیراج کے مقام پر پانی کا بہاؤ 6 لاکھ 27 ہزار کیوسک ہے۔
Future Outlook and Public Advisory
Authorities are optimistic that with continuous efforts and favorable weather, the M5 Motorway at Jalalpur Pirwala will soon be safe for reopening. However, the situation is being monitored around the clock.
Travelers are strongly advised to:
- Stay updated with official traffic and weather advisories.
- Avoid traveling through flooded or high-risk areas.
- Use alternate routes and follow instructions from traffic authorities.
The public’s cooperation is essential during this time to ensure safety and a smooth recovery from the flood impact.