A massive flood is threatening Southern Punjab as water levels in the Sutlej and Chenab rivers continue to rise. The situation has forced thousands of people to leave their homes in districts like Multan, Kasur, and Bahawalnagar.
Authorities warn that more than 300,000 people may be at risk in the coming days. The flood wave is expected to bring widespread damage to the region.
In Multan, officials have evacuated over 119,000 residents to safer locations. To protect the city, a controlled breach at Head Muhammad Wala is planned. Nearly 60% of Multan’s population has already moved to safer areas.
The National Emergency Operations Center predicts that Trimmu could face water flows of up to 800,000 cusecs by the end of August. Similarly, Panjnad is expected to experience heavy flows by early September.
The Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala has reached its highest level since 1955, with 385,000 cusecs of water flowing through. This puts Kasur city in danger. Authorities are considering breaching embankments to save urban centers from flooding.
Villages in Okara, Chunian, Bahawalnagar, Pakpattan, and Vehari have already been submerged. Power outages and displacement have affected thousands of people.
The Chenab River is carrying an enormous flood wave of 855,000 cusecs downstream. Rising water threatens Chiniot and Trimmu Headworks. Meanwhile, the Ravi River’s levels have dropped near Shahdara but continue to flood Lahore’s outskirts.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reports that 1,769 villages are submerged. Around 1.23 million people have been affected, with 248,000 displaced. So far, 28 deaths have been confirmed.
Rescue operations are underway with the help of the army, Rangers, and Rescue 1122. Relief camps have been set up by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Medical aid and shelter are being provided to the flood victims.
PDMA criticized India for delayed water-release information, which worsened the massive flood impact.
The situation remains serious as authorities work to protect lives and reduce damage caused by this massive flood in Southern Punjab.
In other related news also read Punjab Govt Initiates Massive Flood Rescue Operation
