Pakistan is facing another round of challenges as weather officials forecast a fresh rain spell from September 16 to 18. The new rains are expected in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, northern and central Punjab, and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. While the intensity is expected to be moderate compared to August, authorities have urged vigilance to prevent further disasters.
Flood Risks Amid New Rains
Officials have expressed concern over downstream districts, including Multan, Muzaffargarh, Liaquatpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. The danger is compounded by continuous Indian water releases into rivers flowing into Pakistan. Protective embankments have already failed in several locations, worsening the crisis.
At Basti Baharan near Multan, embankments collapsed, while a deliberate cut was made on Uch Sharif road to protect Multan city. However, this decision left nearby villages such as Mouza Jhanbo, Nooraja Bhatta, Kotla, Bahadurpur, and Sabra heavily flooded.
At Sher Shah dyke, water pressure continues to mount, though a decision to breach the dam has been delayed after temporary relief in Jalalpur Pirwala.
Head Panjnad Faces Unprecedented Flows
At Head Panjnad, a massive flood wave has been recorded, exceeding 668,000 cusecs. Earlier, nearly 70 percent of Alipur was submerged, leaving behind widespread destruction. The water is now rapidly moving towards Simka Chachran, creating new threats.
In Farid Shah near Qabulah, thousands of acres of crops have been washed away. Road networks have collapsed, forcing many families to evacuate by boat. Lodhran’s Akbar Shah area is also underwater, with more than 2,000 homes destroyed. Cotton, rice, maize, and sesame crops have been completely lost.
The Arifwala region is battling high floods in the Sutlej River. Displaced residents are sheltering in makeshift camps, relying on limited relief supplies.
In Tehsil Liaquatpur Narwala, river water has entered dry zones not flooded in decades. This has caused mass evacuations and severe losses to livestock and property.
Barrages Struggling Under Heavy Water Flows
Trimmu Barrage is discharging 188,000 cusecs, while Taunsa Barrage records around 200,000 cusecs. At Ganda Singh Wala, the Sutlej River is flowing above 182,000 cusecs for the third consecutive day due to Indian releases.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that overall flows have reduced in some rivers but remain dangerously high at Panjnad. The Chenab River is running at 94,000 cusecs at Qadirabad and 92,000 cusecs at Khanki Headworks. The Ravi is also showing heavy flows, particularly at Shahdara and Sidhnai.
Reservoirs Reaching Maximum Capacity
Pakistan’s major reservoirs are nearing or at full capacity. Tarbela Dam has reached its maximum level of 1,550 feet. Rawal Dam is almost full at 1,751.80 feet. Mangla Dam stands at 92 percent capacity, and Simli Dam has reached its maximum of 2,315.25 feet. To prevent infrastructure damage, spillways have been opened at all major dams.
Sindh Situation Worsens
Floodwaters from Punjab have now entered Sindh, causing water levels at Guddu and Sukkur barrages to rise sharply. At Guddu Barrage, inflow has reached 502,861 cusecs, while Sukkur Barrage reports an inflow of 440,985 cusecs. Kotri Barrage is also under strain with inflows above 257,000 cusecs.
Several riverine villages in Sindh have been inundated as water overflows into kachha areas. Families are evacuating, livestock is being moved, and authorities are focusing on relief and protection of lives.
With a fresh rain spell approaching, Pakistan remains on high alert. Floodwaters continue to devastate Punjab and Sindh, while rising water levels at barrages and dams pose further danger. Officials are prioritizing evacuation, crop protection, and infrastructure safety as the crisis deepens.
