Punjab floods have turned into one of the worst disasters in the province’s history. Surging waters from the Chenab and Sutlej rivers have killed at least 46 people and displaced millions.
Officials warn that Multan city and its bridges face severe pressure as river inflows rise further. The water flow at Head Marala has already crossed 548,000 cusecs, sending alarm signals downstream. At Head Khanki and Qadirabad, the volume has exceeded half a million cusecs. This surge now threatens Muzaffargarh, Alipur, Bahawalpur, and Ahmedpur East.
The Sher Shah Bridge in Multan is under extreme stress. Experts fear that if water levels touch 417 feet, defenses could collapse. Kabirwala and Shujaabad have already been submerged, forcing residents to flee their homes.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the Punjab floods have caused massive destruction. More than 3.5 million people are affected and nearly 4,000 settlements are under water. Over 1.5 million people have been rescued so far, but officials warn more evacuations may be needed in coming days.
DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that embankments were deliberately breached in certain areas to reduce water pressure. As a result, villages in Kabirwala, Pir Mahal, and Ahmadpur Sial were inundated overnight under planned diversion measures.
The official death toll now stands at 46. However, local authorities fear the number could rise as rescue workers search submerged villages. Women and children are among the worst victims.
Another major concern is Sindh. Floodwaters from the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers are expected to converge at Panjnad by September 5. Officials project nearly 900,000 cusecs will flow into Sindh between September 6 and 7. Barrages in Hyderabad, Guddu, and Kotri have been put on alert. Communities downstream are told to prepare for possible displacement.
The crisis has been made worse by India’s water releases. Heavy rains in Indian Punjab, followed by the discharge of excess water from upstream dams, triggered the latest flood wave. This has created simultaneous high flows in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, intensifying the devastation for Punjab.
Punjab floods remain a growing threat. With death tolls rising and water levels increasing, authorities continue their struggle to protect lives and critical infrastructure.
