ISLAMABAD: The flood situation in Punjab worsened on Wednesday as overflowing rivers forced authorities to take drastic measures, including controlled breaches of embankments, to protect major headworks. The move, while preventing catastrophic damage to critical infrastructure, has endangered dozens of villages and displaced thousands of residents.
Sidhnai Headworks Under Pressure
In Khanewal district, the Mai Safoora embankment was deliberately breached to protect the Sidhnai headworks from collapse, putting nearly 30 villages in Kabirwala and 12 in Pir Mahal at risk. Officials said the Sidhnai headworks, which has a discharge capacity of 150,000 cusecs, was currently releasing more than its designed limit as floodwaters surged from the Ravi River.
Sutlej and Chenab Flood Alert
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab issued a fresh alert following reports of rising water levels in the Sutlej and Chenab rivers. The alert was triggered after the Indian High Commission informed Pakistan of heavy flooding in the Sutlej.
According to PDMA, water flow at Marala headworks crossed 538,000 cusecs, creating a high flood situation in Indian regions of Harike and Manawar Tawi. PDMA further warned that rainfall is expected across Punjab until September 5, which could intensify flooding.
Major Flood Reaches Multan
In southern Punjab, the Chenab flood wave has entered Multan, raising the water level by 4 feet at the Akbar embankment. Authorities have planted explosives at the Muhammad Wala headworks to create a controlled breach if required. The flood wave is expected to reach Panjnad by September 5.
The Muhammad Wala Road has been closed to traffic due to rising water pressure, while emergency teams continue to evacuate residents. In Basti Noor Muhammad, three families are still awaiting rescue.
Widespread Destruction Across Punjab
The flood has already caused widespread devastation:
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Vehari: Over 65,000 people affected, with 30 villages in Tandlianwala submerged.
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Chiniot & Jhang: 150 villages in Chiniot and 261 in Jhang inundated before the wave reached Multan.
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Muzaffargarh: More than 24 villages near Rangpur underwater, forcing thousands to evacuate amid threats to Rangpur city.
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Lodhran & Bahawalpur: Three embankments collapsed due to Sutlej’s pressure.
Authorities said relief operations were underway but warned that with continued rainfall, the situation could worsen in the coming days.
