The flood in Punjab has reached alarming levels as waters from the River Chenab surged into Multan, hitting populated areas near Akbar Bund. Authorities planted dynamite at weak embankments to create controlled breaches and reduce mounting pressure.
In Khanewal, officials called the next two to four hours “critical.” In Kabirwala, 49 villages have already gone underwater, while several more in Shujabad are also submerged.
India’s water release adds to crisis
Fresh water releases from India have worsened the flood in Punjab, swelling the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers. Dozens of new villages across the province are inundated. The raging torrents from Head Trimmu have swallowed 49 villages in Kabirwala and six in Shujaabad. In Muzaffargarh, more than 40 villages are underwater, with water levels rising fast.
Southern Punjab overwhelmed
Floodwaters from the Sutlej have entered Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Chishtian, and Arifwala, devastating standing crops. The Ravi has submerged 30 villages in Sahiwal and 38 in Chichawatni, forcing 12,850 people to evacuate.
Although Jhang has seen a slight drop in water levels, the danger remains. In Okara, 112 settlements were struck, with hundreds of mud houses swept away. Kasur’s Ganda Singh continues to face crisis conditions for more than a week.
Chenab breaches embankments
At Jalalpur Pirwala, the River Chenab has burst through the protective embankment at Notrol village. Farmlands and populated zones are drowning. Residents are trying to strengthen weak points on their own.
Officials warned that by evening, the flood in Punjab would advance toward Head Muhammadwala in Multan, threatening thousands more people.
PDMA issues very high flood warning
Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has raised a “very high flood” alert for the Chenab and Sutlej. At Ganda Singh Wala, the water flow has surged to 253,000 cusecs, while Sulemanki reports 124,000 cusecs. At Head Trimmu, the flow has already reached 516,000 cusecs and is still rising.
The PDMA has also warned of possible urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sahiwal, Multan, Faisalabad, DG Khan, and Bahawalpur within the next 24 hours.
Rising human toll
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari confirmed 41 deaths so far, while 2.45 million people have been affected by the ongoing disaster. Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed said all deputy commissioners and commissioners are on high alert with emergency control rooms fully active.
On the orders of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, tent cities have been set up near affected areas, providing shelter, food, medicines, and facilities for women and children. Helipads have been prepared in Jhang’s Tehsil Athara Hazari, Kot Kheira, and Ahmedpur Sial for emergency air support.
Massive rescue and relief operations
The flood in Punjab has impacted thousands of villages across 32 districts. Rescue operations have moved 918,000 people to safer locations. A total of 3,338 personnel and 806 boats are engaged, while 611,000 livestock have also been shifted.
In the past 24 hours alone, 21,620 people were evacuated from submerged areas.
India alerts Pakistan
India has officially contacted Pakistan, warning of further water releases into the Sutlej that may trigger another surge. Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources confirmed the development, saying the Ferozepur Headworks release could bring fresh dangers.
Twenty-eight key institutions have been directed to remain on high alert and ensure precautionary steps are in place as the flood in Punjab continues to spread destruction.
