Punjab is under a province-wide flood emergency, with nine districts facing catastrophic damage as water levels in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers hit dangerous highs following heavy inflows from India.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reports that over two million people have been affected, and at least 41 lives lost, as relentless flooding continues to submerge villages, farmland, and infrastructure.
Multan Braces for More Devastation
In Multan, a massive surge of 450,000 cusecs entered the Chenab River at Head Mohammad Wala, striking the Akbar Flood Bund — one of the city’s key defense barriers. Authorities closed the Head Mohammad Wala Road and are preparing controlled blasts to redirect floodwaters if needed.
Hundreds of villages between Jhok Venus and Head Mohammad Wala are already underwater, prompting mass evacuations. Rising waters have crept into low-lying neighborhoods near Basti Bosan, while schools in Jhok Arabi and nearby areas are submerged.
Officials warn another flood wave could arrive tonight, putting further strain on already overwhelmed rescue operations.
Infrastructure Cut Off, Villages Submerged
The flooding has ripped through Toba Tek Singh, Kamalia, and surrounding areas, inundating farmland and cutting access to entire communities. A major breach on the Lahore-Faisalabad GT Road has disrupted traffic, isolating large parts of the region.
At Head Trimmu, water flows reached a dangerous 479,743 cusecs, pushing floodwaters deep into Muzaffargarh, where over 250 villages are now submerged. In Chiniot, flooding has engulfed 141 villages, displacing more than 200,000 residents.
Sindh on Alert as Katcha Residents Refuse to Evacuate
Downstream, Sindh faces low-level flooding at Sukkur, Kotri, and Guddu barrages. Authorities have repeatedly urged residents in vulnerable riverine (katcha) areas to evacuate, but many remain reluctant to leave their homes, risking being trapped if water levels rise.
Health Risks Mount in Flood-Hit Areas
The National Polio Eradication Programme has raised alarms over the potential spread of polio and waterborne diseases as stagnant water and overcrowded relief camps create ideal conditions for outbreaks.
What’s Next: More Rains, Rising Risk
According to PDMA forecasts, dangerously high water levels in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers will likely persist until September 5. Heavy rainfall expected in upper catchment areas by September 3 could worsen flooding and bring urban flood threats to Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat.
Punjab’s flood crisis is far from over, with officials scrambling to reinforce embankments, conduct evacuations, and prevent further breaches as water levels continue to rise.
