Authorities have sounded the alarm in 11 districts of South Punjab as a massive flood wave continues to move downstream, threatening major urban centres, including Multan. Emergency measures are being taken, including the deployment of dynamite on protective bunds to divert water and reduce pressure on populated areas.
So far, more than 400,000 residents have been evacuated from 138 locations across Punjab as rivers overflow. The Punjab Relief Department said nearly 481,000 people and 405,000 livestock have been moved to safety. Officials estimate that over 1.5 million people across 2,300 villages have been affected, calling it the largest rescue operation in Punjab’s history.
Over 800 boats and 1,300 rescue workers are involved in evacuation efforts, while more than 500 relief camps have been established to provide shelter. Authorities emphasized that “no life is being left unattended” as rescue operations continue around the clock.
For the first time in Pakistan’s history, the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers are simultaneously in high flood. The Sutlej has already submerged large parts of Bahawalnagar, Pakpattan, Arifwala, Qabula, Kamalia, Lodhran, Manawala, Sarai Mughal, and Rojhan, cutting off dozens of villages and destroying thousands of acres of crops.
The NDMA has issued warnings for areas near Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad headworks, alerting residents via SMS about the risk of dangerous flooding.
At least 30 deaths have been reported from flood-related incidents across Punjab in recent days. Relief officials confirmed that thousands of homes and vast stretches of farmland have been submerged. Early harvesting has begun in parts of Kabirwala as farmers attempt to minimize crop losses.
Multan is expected to face a flood surge of up to 800,000 cusecs in the Chenab within the next two days. Authorities have prepared to breach roads and embankments near Head Muhammad Wala if required to protect the city. Officials say at least 300,000 residents from low-lying areas will be relocated.
To save key population centres, officials have resorted to controlled demolitions of flood embankments. Bunds near Athara Hazari in Jhang and Rivaz Bridge have already been blown up to ease pressure on Head Trimmu, forcing thousands to evacuate nearby villages. Explosives are also in place at bunds near Rungpur and Shershah as part of contingency planning.
Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed defended the measures, saying, “There was no other way to drain the water. We are using all available resources to save lives and infrastructure.”
The situation is further complicated by rising levels in Pakistan’s reservoirs:
Downstream releases include 206,300 cusecs at Kalabagh, 222,700 at Taunsa, 335,800 at Guddu, and 229,500 at Sukkur.
Kasur city remains under serious threat as preparations are being made to breach the Right Retired Embankment to reduce pressure. Announcements are being made in mosques, urging residents to shift to safer ground. Meanwhile, the PDMA has warned of increased water flow at Head Sulemanki within the next 48 hours, with more evacuations expected.
Floodwater of up to 925,000 cusecs is projected to reach Panjnad by September 4, while nearly 1 million cusecs are expected to enter the Indus River at Guddu Barrage by September 6, 2025.
Officials have urged residents in low-lying and riverbank areas to remain alert, stressing that the situation remains fluid as heavy rains continue across Punjab.
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