LAHORE: In an extraordinary response to a historic flood emergency, the Punjab government has carried out controlled breaches of flood embankments to redirect rising waters from the overflowing Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. This marks the first time in Pakistan’s history that all three rivers have flooded simultaneously.
Massive Evacuations Underway
As 855,000 cusecs of water surge toward Head Trimmu, authorities have evacuated over 429,000 residents. Explosives were used to breach key flood bunds in Athara Hazari, Rungpur, and Sher Shah, aiming to protect major urban centers like Multan, Jhang, and Kasur from widespread destruction.
“There was no other way to drain the water,” said Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed, defending the drastic emergency measures.
Floodwaters are being strategically diverted from Head Muhammad Wala, where flows of up to 800,000 cusecs are anticipated.
Critical Breaches to Protect Key Areas
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Rivaz Bridge bund breached to prevent flooding of Jhang city
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Controlled explosions near Rungpur and Sher Shah to divert flow from Multan
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Water pressure relief efforts underway at Head Trimmu and Qadirabad
River Flows and Alerts
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued flood warnings for Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad headworks, advising residents to stay alert. SMS alerts have been sent to potentially affected populations.
Current water levels (Friday):
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Chenab River:
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Chiniot Bridge: 855,000 cusecs (steady)
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Qadirabad: 175,272 cusecs (falling)
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Rivaz Bridge: 521.9 feet (stable, below danger level)
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Ravi River:
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Shahdara: 159,847 cusecs (steady)
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Balloki Headworks: 180,520 cusecs (rising)
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Sutlej River:
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Ganda Singh Wala: 385,569 cusecs (rising)
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Sulemanki: 138,058 cusecs (steady)
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Human and Livestock Impact
According to PDMA:
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1.46 million people affected across 1,769 mouzas
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429,177 evacuated
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300,174 livestock relocated
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20 confirmed deaths (28 reported across Punjab)
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia warned that this is the worst flooding on the Sutlej River since 1955, largely due to a dam breach in India. He confirmed embankments near Kasur were deliberately breached to protect the city.
“This is a historic flood situation. The simultaneous overflow of Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi is unprecedented,” he stated.
Relief and Government Response
Over 365 relief camps have been established. Food, medical care, and livestock supplies are being provided. More than 119,000 people have been safely relocated in Multan division alone, with plans to move 300,000 by Saturday night.
In Multan, flood surge preparations are ongoing:
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Head Muhammad Wala Road may be breached if floodwaters threaten the city.
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84 relief camps active, with assessment and compensation to follow once waters recede.
Monsoon Outlook and Forecast
The ninth spell of monsoon rains has begun and will continue until September 2, according to PDMA. Heavy rainfall is forecast across Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal, Jhang, Multan, Rajanpur, and other districts.
