LAHORE/MULTAN/ SARGODHA – The flood situation in Punjab has reached an extremely alarming stage, with devastating impacts across multiple districts.
Excess water released by India into Pakistan’s rivers has caused severe flooding in the Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, and Sindh rivers, submerging nearly 4,000 villages and over 1.3 million acres of agricultural land.
According to a Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) report issued on Friday, at least 46 people have lost their lives, while more than 3.8 million citizens have been affected. The intensity of the deluge has led to breaches in more than five major protective dykes, including Head Muhammad Wala, Bhaktiari, Jhinda Miani, Mubarakpur, and Pipli Rajan. Rescue and relief operations are underway, though high water levels and swift currents are hampering efforts. Authorities have urged residents to evacuate vulnerable areas and move to safer locations. The Ravi River remains under high flood conditions, with water flows recorded at dangerous levels: 80,000 cusecs at Jasar, 110,000 cusecs at Ravi Siphon, 180,000 cusecs at Shahdara, 138,000 cusecs at Baloki Headworks, and 130,000 cusecs at Sadhanai Headworks. Citizens have been advised to avoid recreational activities near riverbanks due to the risk of accidents.
Tragedies have already struck: two youths drowned in Mandi Bahauddin, while breaches at Basti Gagra in Shujaabad and Samandwana village in Ahmedpur Sial have inundated nearby settlements. The Chenab River has swelled dangerously, with 260,000 cusecs passing through Sultan Bahu Bridge in Jhang, forcing the closure of the railway line. A high alert has also been declared in Pindi Bhattian.
The Sutlej River is witnessing unprecedented flooding, with 319,000 cusecs entering near Arifwala. In Bahawalnagar, heavy flows are passing through Bhokan Wala Pattan bridge, submerging schools and settlements. Authorities have established over 20 relief camps. In Multan, the breach of Head Muhammad Wala flood dam has submerged Sher Shah Road, with floodwaters now encroaching on urban areas.
In Narowal, 92,000 cusecs of floodwater has blocked Shakargarh and Kartarpur roads, while breaches in embankments have forced thousands to flee. Millions of acres of crops across Multan, Khanewal, Uch Sharif, and Chiniot have been destroyed. In Chiniot alone, over 1,300 people have been rescued. At Trimmu on the Chenab, inflows have surged to 331,000 cusecs, while rising water levels at Head Baloki and Qutub Shahana continue to pose grave threats.
Despite the overwhelming scale of the disaster, timely interventions by rescue agencies and security forces have already saved hundreds of lives, preventing further tragedy. Still, authorities warn that Punjab is confronting one of the most dangerous flood scenarios in recent history, with relentless vigilance and public cooperation vital in the days ahead.
Chenab flood threat eases
Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu said the flood wave in River Chenab has started to recede at Head Muhammad Wala and Chenab bridge points.
He informed that water levels also declined at Basti Jhugganwala, Akbar Bund, Sikandari drain, and Shershah Bund.
The emergency gauge at Akbar Bund dropped from 414 feet to 413.5 feet. On his directions, district teams carried out overnight inspections at all bunds.Except for the Zamindara Bund at Basti Gagran, no breach was reported, he maintained.
According to the DC, the Chenab flood wave is expected to reduce further within the next 12 hours.
In public interest, no breaching decision has yet been taken regarding Head Muhammad Wala Road or Shershah Bund.
He added that the Technical Breaching Committee is reviewing the situation every two hours, while evacuation of residents from flood-hit areas has been intensified.
2nd flood wave in Chenab River passes safely
Under the effective supervision of Commissioner Sargodha Division Jahanzeb Awan and dynamic leadership of Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Muhammad Waseem, the second high flood wave in the Chenab River at Kot Momin has passed safely.
According to the official spokesperson here on Friday, the concerted efforts of Rescue 1122, Health Department, Police, Livestock, Pakistan Army, Highways, Irrigation Department, district and tehsil administration, and the public played a crucial role in mitigating potential damage.
The deputy commissioner said that timely strategy of the Irrigation Department and effective measures by the district administration prevented massive losses. He said that the water level at Talabwala and Chiniot bridges is decreasing, and the river is expected to return to its original course by tonight, adding that the relief operations are underway in flood-affected areas, with restoration work resuming as the water recedes.
Captain (retd) Muhammad Wasim said that the district administration is providing cooked meals and rations to affected individuals in safe locations and temporary camps. He mentioned that the Health Department’s mobile, fixed, and boat teams are providing medical facilities to those affected and the Highways Department has restored critical roads, and repairs are ongoing for other damaged roads.
He said that the Livestock Department is providing fodder to livestock in affected areas, “A comprehensive survey will be conducted to assess damages and provide detailed reports to the Punjab government for timely financial assistance to affected individuals”, the DC added.
NDMA warns of urban flooding risk in Sindh from September 6 to 9
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday has issued a cautionary advisory to the public, institutions and relevant authorities regarding the potential for urban flooding in several districts of Sindh due to intermittent rain spells forecast from September 6 to 9.
Authorities are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures to minimize risk and ensure public safety.
According to the advisory, low-lying urban areas in Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tharparkar, Khairpur, Sukkur, Larkana, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Hyderabad, and Karachi may experience significant water accumulation and possible submersion due to the anticipated downpour.
In addition, flash floods are feared in hilly streams of Tharparkar, including Mithi, Islamkot, Nagarparkar, Chachro, Dhali, Diplo, and Kaloi, as well as adjoining regions such as Umerkot, Sanghar, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Jamshoro, Dadu, Ghotki, and Kashmore.
The alert also highlights the risk of submersion in low-lying urban zones of Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Jacobabad, and Shikarpur.
Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow instructions issued by local authorities. Emergency services have been placed on high alert to respond to any incidents arising from the expected weather conditions.
On NDMA’s directives, provincial departments and rescue agencies have been put on alert.
