Multan on High Alert as Sutlej and Chenab Rivers Swell to Dangerous Levels
Southern Punjab is bracing for one of the worst floods in decades as water levels in the Sutlej and Chenab rivers continue to surge. Districts including Multan, Kasur, Bahawalnagar, and surrounding areas are seeing mass evacuations, with over 300,000 people potentially at risk in the coming hours.
Multan Under Serious Threat
Multan has already relocated over 119,000 residents to safer areas, but the threat is far from over. Hundreds of villages remain vulnerable as a major flood wave approaches. In a strategic move, authorities have planned a controlled breach at Head Muhammad Wala to safeguard the city, where nearly 60% of residents have already been evacuated.
RELATED: Worst flooding in Punjab in 40 years
The National Emergency Operations Center has forecast that Trimmu could receive between 700,000 and 800,000 cusecs of water by August 31, while Panjnad may see flows of 650,000 to 700,000 cusecs by September 3.
Sutlej River Sees Historic Swelling
At Ganda Singh Wala, the Sutlej River has reached 385,000 cusecs — its highest level since 1955 — putting Kasur at significant risk. Emergency plans are being considered, including embankment breaches, to protect urban areas.
Several villages in Chunian, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Pakpattan, and Vehari have already been flooded. Power outages and mass displacement have been reported, leaving thousands without shelter or essential services.
Rivers Chenab and Ravi Add to the Crisis
The Chenab River is currently carrying a massive flood wave of 855,000 cusecs downstream, endangering Chiniot and the Trimmu Headworks. Although the Ravi River has receded at Shahdara, it continues to inundate villages on Lahore’s outskirts.
Widespread Damage Across Punjab
According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA):
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1,769 villages have been submerged
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1.23 million people are affected
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248,000 residents displaced
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148,000 animals rescued
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28 deaths reported so far
Rescue and evacuation operations are underway in Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Nankana Sahib, and Rajanpur, with the army, Rangers, and Rescue 1122 teams leading relief efforts.
Government Mobilizes Relief Operations
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the establishment of emergency relief camps in all affected areas, providing food, shelter, and medical support. Over 265 medical camps are currently operational. Efforts are also being made to relocate livestock and displaced families to higher ground.
PDMA officials have criticized the delayed release of water-flow data by India, stating that it significantly contributed to the severity of flooding in Punjab.
