Canal deaths raise alarm as 19 lose lives in five months

Faisalabad: A concerning rise in drowning incidents has been reported in Faisalabad's canals as people swim to escape the summer heat. According to Rescue 1122 data, at least 19 children and young individuals have lost their lives while swimming in canals over the past few months. Officials stated that in the last five months alone, they received 32 drowning-related emergency calls. Unfortunately, 19 of those incidents resulted in fatalities, while 13 individuals were successfully rescued. Despite Section 144 being in effect, children and young individuals continue to swim in the canals, prompting serious concern. Rescue authorities have appealed to parents to play their role in preventing such tragedies by ensuring their children do not swim in canals, in order to help prevent further loss of precious lives.