Punjab is enduring one of the most severe flood emergencies in recent years. Rivers Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab continue to swell, inundating thousands of villages and displacing millions of people across the province.
The situation worsened after India issued alerts about rising water levels at Ganda Singh Wala and Ferozepur. This warning triggered mass evacuations along the Sutlej River, forcing families to abandon their homes. Despite slight receding in some regions, the overall threat remains severe, with rescue and relief operations stretched to their limits.
Rising Waters at Panjnad, Guddu and Sukkur
At Panjnad Headworks, water discharge surged beyond 668,000 cusecs, rising by 100,000 cusecs within 24 hours. This surge caused large-scale evacuations in Alipur tehsil. A protective dyke near Shujabad collapsed again, flooding surrounding communities.
Downstream, Guddu and Sukkur barrages recorded flows exceeding 400,000 cusecs, keeping both in a medium flood category. Authorities confirmed steady flows at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad headworks, with rising levels at Chiniot Bridge and other key points.
On the Sutlej River, Ganda Singh Wala stood at 98,165 cusecs, while Sulemanki reported 121,459 cusecs. Islam Headworks showed a falling trend at 113,956 cusecs. Flows across the Ravi remained steady, easing fears of immediate embankment breaches.
Human Tragedies and Mass Displacement
Flood-related tragedies continue to unfold. In Bahawalnagar, a rescue boat carrying 23 people capsized, killing two. Another boat overturned in Jalalpur Pirwala, leaving five missing, including children. In Muzaffargarh, three teenagers fell into floodwaters, with one confirmed dead.
Authorities estimate more than 4.28 million people across Punjab have been affected. Around 2.26 million people were relocated, with 396 relief camps and 490 medical camps established. Over 1.69 million animals have also been shifted to safer areas.
In Khanewal and Jalalpur Pirwala, thousands were evacuated from riverbeds. Crops covering more than 128,000 acres have been submerged. Officials confirmed at least 79 deaths linked to the floods in Punjab.
Rescue and Relief Operations Expand
Relief operations continue at full pace. In Multan, over 13,600 people were rescued in three days, while 25,000 were relocated. Across Punjab, more than 362,000 people were evacuated using 139 rescue boats. Four helicopters and 2,000 tents have been dispatched to Jalalpur Pirwala.
In Rahim Yar Khan, authorities evacuated 12,000 people from riverbeds and established six relief camps. Despite water levels reaching 660,000 cusecs at Chachran Sharif, officials confirmed that embankments remained intact and localities were safe.
Punjab’s chief minister ordered strict accountability measures after the Jalalpur Pirwala boat accident. Officials assured that water levels at Muhammad Wala and Sher Shah bridges had fallen below critical levels, reducing the immediate threat of breaches.
Balochistan Braces for Flood Impact
As floodwaters move south, Balochistan is preparing for potential devastation. Torrential rains triggered flash floods in multiple districts, with rivers and streams already swollen. At Hub Dam, water levels reached 338 feet, nearly touching full capacity. Authorities warned that spillways could be opened anytime.
The provincial government has set up 16 flood control centres across Nasirabad division. Rescue teams, boats and machinery have been deployed in vulnerable districts, including Usta Muhammad, Sohbatpur and Jaffarabad. Preparations include shifting residents to safety and distributing essential goods.
Balochistan officials confirmed coordination with Sindh to manage floodwaters. Both provinces agreed no embankments would be breached without a joint decision if flows surpass 1.1 million cusecs.
Final Monsoon Spell Nears Its End
The National Disaster Management Authority confirmed that Pakistan is facing the last spell of monsoon rains. Although rivers carry massive flows, officials expect stabilisation in two to three days. However, communities remain on high alert as floodwaters continue to spread southwards.
A Nation on High Alert
With millions displaced, crops destroyed and dozens of lives lost, Pakistan faces a critical flood crisis. Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan remain on high alert as emergency teams race to protect vulnerable populations. While authorities assure stabilisation ahead, the scale of destruction underscores the urgent need for continued relief and long-term flood management strategies.
