Search For Three Missing Continues On Day 7 After Muzaffargarh Canal Tragedy

KOT ADDU, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Aug, 2026) The search and rescue operation for three people still missing after a loader rickshaw fell into Muzaffargarh Canal entered its seventh consecutive day on Sunday,with teams continuing efforts around the clock under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner(DC) Kot Addu,Bilal Saleem. According to a district administration spokesman,the district administration,Rescue 1122, police and other concerned departments have deployed all available resources and modern technology to trace the missing persons. Relatives of the missing persons had requested the release of water into the canal at around 6 p.m. on Saturday,hoping that the increased water flow might help surface any bodies trapped underwater. Sonar systems,expert divers,rescue personnel,drone cameras and other resources have been extensively used during the operation. Safe City Authority drones conducted aerial surveillance of various locations, while teams also carried out searches along smaller canals and waterways. Rescue personnel repeatedly formed human chains to search the water, while sonar equipment was used to scan different sections of the canal. DC Bilal remained present at the site and personally monitored the sonar-based search alongside rescue teams. WASA Kot Addu,Suthra Punjab teams,revenue officials, the local administration and other concerned departments also extended full support to the operation,continuously assessing water conditions,canal flow and possible search points to expand the scope of the search. DPO Mansoor Qamar,Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Muhammad Asad Ali, Assistant Commissioner Kot Addu, Assistant Commissioner Chowk Sarwar Shaheed, revenue officials and the Chief Officer of Sanawan Municipal Committee also remained in the field to monitor relief and rescue activities. The district administration said all available resources,modern equipment,manpower and institutional capabilities had been mobilized to trace the missing persons and assist their families. Relatives of the victims appreciated the administration's extensive search operation, continuous presence in the field and use of modern equipment, including sonar systems, divers and drone surveillance. The search and rescue operation was continuing with further measures being taken according to the situation. A loader rickshaw carrying 26 people to a wedding fell into the Muzaffargarh Canal seven days ago. Eleven people were rescued alive and 12 bodies were recovered, while the search for three missing persons continues.