CRBC Canal Breach: Rescue, Relief Operations Continue in DIKhan
Dera Ismail Khan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - September 16, 2026) The district administration of Dera Ismail Khan remained fully mobilised as rescue and relief operations continued following a breach in the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) near Pir Ashab village in Tehsil Paharpur. Officials were closely monitoring the situation and taking measures to protect the affected population.
Deputy Commissioner's Visit
Deputy Commissioner Hikmatullah, accompanied by senior administrative officers, visited the affected areas in Paharpur to review the situation and ongoing rescue and relief operations. He inspected the breach site, rehabilitation and strengthening work on the canal, water flow control measures, and the impact on agricultural land and residential areas.
Irrigation Department, Rescue 1122, and the Revenue Department briefed the Deputy Commissioner about their efforts to control water pressure, strengthen the canal embankment, and evacuate residents and livestock from at-risk zones.
Instructions from the Deputy Commissioner
The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to utilise all available resources without interruption to plug the breach and prevent further damage. He also instructed officials to:
- Ensure timely provision of food, clean drinking water, and emergency medical facilities.
- Arrange medical camps and necessary care for livestock.
- Conduct a transparent survey of damage to crops, houses, and public infrastructure for further relief and compensation measures.
Immediate Response
Following the breach, the district administration immediately mobilised Irrigation and WAPDA authorities. Water flow from Chashma Barrage was reduced according to standard operating procedures, and cuts were made downstream to control water pressure and flow.
Additional Deputy Commissioner General Syed Muhammad Arsalan Shah, Additional Deputy Commissioner Finance and Planning Adnan Khan, Assistant Commissioner Paharpur, and Assistant Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan supervised rescue and relief efforts. Heavy machinery and labourers were deployed to strengthen the canal embankment and protect nearby settlements.
Ongoing Relief Activities
Relief activities continued throughout the day in the affected areas. A temporary camp at the Degree College provided accommodation, food, and medical facilities to displaced people. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority supplied 250 tents, 250 tarpaulins, and 250 mattresses. Islamic Relief distributed 300 ration packages, while the district administration arranged meals for over 300 people. Medicines and medical assistance were also provided.