India has once again released water into the Sutlej, aggravating flood conditions in Punjab, while the swollen Chenab continues to pose a threat to Multan.

Authorities have declared the next 24 hours critical and are prepared to breach the Shershah embankment to divert floodwaters and protect urban populations.

India alerts Pakistan, PDMA issues flood warning

According to officials, India notified Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources through its High Commission about the release of water, following which the ministry issued a flood alert.

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said the fresh inflows will further raise water levels in the Sutlej.

At Head Ganda Singh, more than 253,000 cusecs surged downstream, submerging 120 villages. Around 20,000 residents were rescued from affected areas.

PDMA confirmed high flood levels at Harike and Ferozepur downstream, with the civil administration, army, and allied departments on high alert.

Sutlej and Ravi remain under pressure

At Head Sulemanki, inflows climbed to 133,000 cusecs, while Head Islam recorded 119,000 cusecs.

In the Pakpattan district, 25,000 people were evacuated as 23 villages were completely inundated and 53 were partially submerged.

Around Okara, more than 137,000 cusecs were flowing at Head Sulemanki, leaving 36 villages and 160 settlements along the Sutlej and Ravi still underwater.

Chenab’s flood surge threatens Multan

The raging Chenab has raised alarm in Multan, where authorities declared the next 24 hours decisive.

Preparations are underway to breach the Shershah embankment if needed, which could affect more than 8,000 homes and 23,000 people in nearby settlements, with waters likely to reach Shujaabad.

Residents have been urged to evacuate immediately.

Torrential rains in Multan worsened the crisis, submerging a tent village for flood victims. In Jalalpur Pirwala, over 100 localities were inundated, destroying mud houses and even mosques, while many areas remained cut off from rescue teams.

Mass displacement and rescue operations

Floodwaters continue to rise in Muzaffargarh, where 138 villages were submerged, affecting 112,000 people. Nearly 90,000 residents have relocated on their own.

In Liaqatpur, high flood levels in the Chenab left some 5,000 people stranded in riverine areas. Helicopters and boats are being used in rescue efforts, with authorities declaring a red alert as waters approach city embankments.

In Kabirwala, the overflowing Ravi worsened devastation after the Mai Safora bund was breached, forcing families to live under the open sky.

In Alipur, the confluence of the Sutlej and Chenab floods overwhelmed Choki Gabol, submerging a population of 3,000 homes along with livestock and valuables.

Meanwhile, in Sahiwal, water levels in the Ravi began to recede gradually, with a tent settlement established at Mehr Shah for displaced families.

Dire warnings ahead

Authorities warned that breaching embankments around the Vehari bridge to protect Multan city could displace thousands more.

Emergency announcements were made in mosques urging people to vacate vulnerable areas.

PDMA chief directed all departments to use maximum resources to protect lives and property as the crisis deepens.