LAHORE: Punjab is grappling with a worsening flood crisis as the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers continue to rise, inundating thousands of villages and forcing millions from their homes.
The situation escalated after Indian authorities issued alerts about surging water levels at Ganda Singh Wala and Ferozepur, prompting renewed evacuations along the Sutlej. Although some areas saw a minor recession in water levels, the overall threat remains critical, stretching rescue and relief operations across multiple districts.
At Panjnad Headworks on the Chenab River, water discharge crossed a staggering 668,000 cusecs, increasing by nearly 100,000 cusecs within 24 hours, which triggered mass evacuations in Alipur tehsil. A protective dyke near Shujabad collapsed again overnight, inundating surrounding settlements.
Downstream, Sindh’s Guddu and Sukkur barrages reported flows exceeding 400,000 cusecs, maintaining a “medium flood” status. In Rahim Yar Khan, officials confirmed 660,000 cusecs passing through Chachran Sharif, though they assured no immediate danger to nearby populations.
Flood Forecasting Division data showed steady outflows at Panjnad and rising flows at Khanki and Chiniot. At various points along the Ravi and Sutlej, conditions were stable, though Islam Headworks reported a slight decline.
Tragedies and Displacement
The human toll has grown with heartbreaking incidents. In Bahawalnagar, two people drowned when a Rescue 1122 boat carrying 23 evacuees capsized. In Jalalpur Pirwala, another rescue boat with 25 passengers overturned, leaving five missing, including children. Meanwhile in Muzaffargarh, three teenagers fell into raging waters—one died while two were saved.
Authorities reported thousands fleeing their homes in Seetpur, Khairpur, Bait Nabi Shah, and Jalalpur Pirwala, where over 706,000 residents across 148 villages have been affected. In Khanewal alone, nearly 160,000 people were evacuated, while more than 128,000 acres of crops were submerged.
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabil Javaid confirmed that floods have affected over 4,500 villages and 4.28 million people across the province. Of these, 2.26 million have been relocated. Relief efforts include 396 shelters, 490 medical camps, 412 veterinary stations, and the relocation of nearly 1.7 million livestock. So far, 79 lives have been lost to the disaster.
Relief and Rescue operations
Punjab Emergency Service Secretary Dr. Rizwan Naseer reported that in Multan alone, more than 13,600 people were rescued in the last three days, while 25,000 were relocated. Province-wide, over 362,000 people have been evacuated using 139 rescue boats.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said four helicopters and 2,000 tents were dispatched to Jalalpur Pirwala, where the army is assisting with relief distribution. In Rahim Yar Khan, Deputy Commissioner Khurrum Parvaiz confirmed evacuation of 12,000 people, setup of six relief camps, and distribution of 1,800 tents to displaced families. He assured that all protective embankments remain intact.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari announced disciplinary action after negligence was reported in Jalalpur Pirwala, where a rescue boat capsized. She emphasized that water levels at Muhammad Wala and Sher Shah bridges had fallen below danger thresholds, reducing the risk of further breaches.
Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman personally inspected Panjnad Headworks, where officials confirmed continuous monitoring of embankments and ongoing evacuation of low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, reservoir levels across the region remain critically high: Mangla is 90% full, Tarbela 100%, India’s Bhakra 90%, Pong 99%, and Thein 97%, raising concerns of increased downstream pressure.
Balochistan on Alert
NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik stated that Pakistan is experiencing the season’s final monsoon spell. He noted that “water entered our rivers in two layers—the first is now at Guddu Barrage, while the second is at Panjnad. Based on current trends, we expect stabilization in the next two to three days.”
In Balochistan, heavy monsoon rains over the past two days have triggered flash floods. PDMA has issued alerts as seasonal streams swell, threatening severe flooding if downpours persist. At Hub Dam, levels have surged to 338 feet, just shy of its 339-foot capacity, prompting warnings for nearby communities.
The provincial government has completed extensive flood-preparation measures along the left bank of the Indus, expecting floodwaters from Punjab’s Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab. Rescue teams, boats, and heavy machinery have been deployed in Nasirabad, Usta Muhammad, Sohbatpur, and Jaffarabad.
Balochistan Irrigation Minister Sadiq Umrani told the assembly that arrangements are in place to shift vulnerable populations. An agreement with Sindh ensures no embankments will be deliberately breached unless flows exceed 1.1 million cusecs, at which point both chief ministers will decide further action.
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PDMA officials confirmed that 16 flood control centers are operational across four districts of Nasirabad, providing round-the-clock assistance with essential goods and rescue services.
