Floodwaters released from India on Wednesday entered Pakistan, triggering severe flooding at multiple locations and prompting the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue high alerts for the Sutlej and Chenab rivers.
According to the PDMA, the Indian High Commission had notified Pakistan of the incoming water surge, with flows at Head Marala crossing 538,000 cusecs.
After another major discharge into the Chenab, flows at Head Marala further rose to 550,000 cusecs, increasing pressure downstream.
Water levels also continued to rise at Head Khanki and Head Qadirabad.
In Multan, flood gauges on protective embankments approached dangerous levels, raising concerns among local authorities and residents.
Preventive measures are underway, with breaching points set up at Head Muhammad Wala and Sher Shah.
At the Akbar flood embankment, the water level reached 413 feet above sea level, with breaching to be considered if it climbs beyond 417 feet.
Flooding has already inundated eight localities in Shujaabad, while in Kabirwala’s Abdul Hakim area, authorities demolished the Mai Safoora protective embankment with explosives to protect Head Sidhnai.
As a result, several villages in Kabirwala and Pir Mahal were submerged.
The situation has worsened in Muzaffargarh, where the Chenab has inundated 24 villages, with fears that 139 more could be affected.
The floods have forced the closure of 176 schools and the establishment of 22 relief camps.
In Sahiwal, more than 70 villages have been hit, destroying crops over thousands of acres and inflicting severe losses on farmers.
At Mari Pattan in Okara, the Ravi River flows reached 114,000 cusecs, with rescue teams relocating families to safer areas. In Shakargarh, erosion along Nullah Bein has endangered dozens of villages, while in Sharaqpur, Ravi floodwaters devastated rural communities.
In Lodhran and Bahawalpur, three embankments collapsed due to the Sutlej surge, with breaches also reported in Bahawalnagar and Chishtian, submerging multiple settlements.
Overall, more than 100,000 acres of crops have been submerged, livestock washed away, and thousands of families displaced. The stagnant floodwater is raising fears of disease outbreaks.
According to Punjab authorities, floods have so far claimed 43 lives across various districts, affecting millions.
A report by the Relief Commissioner stated that floodwaters have devastated over 3,300 localities, impacting 3.36 million people.
Some 1.29 million have been relocated to safer places, while 405 relief camps, 425 medical camps, and 385 veterinary camps have been established. Nearly 800,000 animals have also been shifted to secure sites.
The report further noted that Mangla Dam is 83% full and Tarbela Dam at full capacity, while in India, Bhakra Dam is 84% filled, Pong Dam 98%, and Thein Dam 92%.
The Pakistan Army has launched rescue and relief operations across Punjab, evacuating hundreds of people and livestock from flood-hit areas of Khollarah Point, Hasuwali, Budhwana, Jhang, and Chiniot. Army units have set up relief camps to provide food, clothing, medicines, and free medical treatment. Affected residents praised the Army’s role in providing timely assistance.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that a new rain system is likely to enter Sindh from September 6, bringing showers to Thatta, Sujawal, Mirpurkhas, and Badin districts until September 10.
Officials have been instructed to stay on alert for possible flash floods and urban inundation. In Punjab, rains are forecast until September 5, which could further intensify riverine flooding.
