A devastating flood in the Chenab River has wreaked havoc across central Punjab, submerging hundreds of villages and leaving thousands stranded as district administrations and rescue agencies scramble into emergency action.

The surging floodwaters have already engulfed more than 200 villages in Jhang alone, sweeping into homes and destroying vast swathes of standing crops.

Entire settlements have disappeared underwater, with livestock losses mounting.

Rescue teams, aided by thermal imaging drones, are conducting searches for stranded families and animals.

In one operation, five people trapped by the flood were spotted by a drone and rescued in time. Boats are being used to shift residents to safer ground.

The powerful torrent entered Jhang after coursing through Sialkot, Wazirabad, and Chiniot.

Bhowana tehsil of Chiniot has suffered widespread devastation, with entire communities, fields, and herds washed away.

Authorities have warned that an “extremely high flood” is expected at Trimmu Headworks within the next 12 hours, where flows could swell to between 800,000 and 900,000 cusecs.

Overall, more than 411 villages are feared to be affected as the river continues its destructive path.

Officials confirmed that the flood surge will pass through Multan tonight, with dynamite already planted on Head Mohammad Wala Road to create a controlled breach if necessary.

In Shujaabad, floodwaters have entered farmland, inundating 140 villages. Water levels at Head Panjnad are also rising rapidly, with up to one million cusecs expected between September 2 and 3.

Meanwhile, in Sahiwal, villages along the Ravi River are facing destruction as water levels continue to rise, with over 200,000 cusecs flowing through Qutb Shahana.

Two days earlier, the collapse of the Orangiabad embankment inundated over 70 villages, including Orangiabad, Musa Pur, and Akbar.

Rescue agencies and local administrations remain on high alert as the flood crisis deepens across Punjab.