Controlled Explosion at Qadirabad Dam to Ease Pressure from Rising Waters
In a desperate bid to manage overwhelming floodwaters, authorities in Punjab carried out a controlled explosion on Wednesday to breach the right embankment of the Qadirabad dam on the Chenab River. The drastic measure was taken to relieve pressure on the dam’s structure, which was under serious threat from surging monsoon-fed waters.
“To save the structure, we have breached the right marginal embankment so that the flow of the water reduces,” confirmed Mazhar Hussain, spokesperson for Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
This decision comes amid widespread flooding across Punjab, triggered by intense rainfall in neighbouring India, which caused the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers—all transboundary water bodies—to swell to exceptionally high levels. The rising water has led to massive displacement, with over 210,000 people forced to evacuate their homes across affected districts.
The Pakistani Army has been deployed to assist in emergency evacuations, focusing on relocating both residents and livestock to safer areas. Disaster officials have warned that the flood surge will pass through Lahore by Thursday morning, increasing the urgency of rescue operations.
Kartarpur Sahib Submerged; Rescue Boats Sent to Save Stranded Pilgrims
One of the most devastating impacts of the flooding was seen in Kartarpur Sahib, a sacred Sikh site marking the resting place of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion. The temple complex was submerged under floodwaters, prompting authorities to dispatch five rescue boats to evacuate around 100 stranded people.
The flood crisis intensified after India released water from upstream dams, increasing inflows into Pakistan’s eastern rivers. Though India reportedly provided advance notice through diplomatic channels, no official comment has been made by Indian authorities regarding the release of dam water.
This year’s monsoon season has been especially brutal in Pakistan. Since June, over 800 people have lost their lives to floods and landslides across the country. With millions living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas, the risk of further disaster remains high.
Authorities continue to issue flood alerts and emphasize the importance of public cooperation as emergency services race against time to contain the damage.
