Punjab authorities have taken the drastic decision to demolish the Rawaz Bridge to protect Jhang and Chiniot as massive floodwaters continue to devastate villages, farmland, and infrastructure across the province.
The move was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by the Punjab Chief Secretary in Lahore. Officials resolved to blow up the bridge to divert the Chenab River’s rising flow, recorded at 120,000 cusecs at Trimu Barrage, with another surge expected by evening.
Evacuations have also been ordered for residents living along river belts in Nankana, Sheikhupura, and Toba Tek Singh. Additional officers have been deployed to strengthen relief operations in high-risk districts.
Widespread Flood Damage
Floods have so far claimed at least 17 lives in Punjab, destroying hundreds of thousands of acres of crops and displacing over 1.4 million people. Around 265,000 residents have been shifted to safer areas. In Chiniot, a flood wave carrying 817,000 cusecs submerged low-lying areas, while the Sutlej River overflowed in Qabula, inundating villages in Arifwala and devastating cotton, rice, and maize crops.
At Shahdara near Lahore, the Ravi River’s water level dropped to 220,000 cusecs, down 9,000 cusecs, offering some relief after chaotic evacuations.
Human Toll
Survivors are struggling in the aftermath. In Wazirabad, receding waters left mud, insects, and the threat of disease. Nazia Nasir, a mother of four, said her family was rescued by the Army, but their home had collapsed: “Everything we owned is gone. My children have nothing left—even clothes.”
In another tragic account, Nasima Bibi now lives on a roadside embankment after her village was submerged: “The sun burns my skin, but I cannot leave. I have nowhere else to go.”
Wider Context
Since June, floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains have killed more than 800 people across Pakistan. Experts warn climate change is making rainfall increasingly unpredictable and destructive. Pakistani officials also said water releases from Indian dams have worsened the flooding in Punjab’s rivers.
At Shahdra Side, Aleem Khan reviews floods, directs urgent measures
