Punjab is facing one of the worst floods in decades, leaving at least 46 people dead and millions displaced. Rising waters from the Chenab and Sutlej rivers have put several districts under severe threat, with Multan emerging as a major danger zone.
Officials warned that the Sher Shah Bridge in Multan is under intense pressure as water levels continue to rise. Villages in Kabirwala and Shujaabad have already been submerged, forcing families to abandon their homes and seek shelter in safer areas.
The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) reported alarming reservoir levels. Tarbela Dam has reached full capacity at 1,549.87 feet, while Mangla Dam is 87% filled. Smaller reservoirs, including Khanpur, Rawal, and Simli, are also near their limits, raising fears of more downstream flooding.
Currently, extremely high floods are being recorded at Head Sadhanai and Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej. The Chenab is also at critical points, with “very high” flood situations reported at Khanki, Qadirabad, and Chiniot Bridge. Other locations, such as Marala, Ravi Siphon, Shahdara, Baloki, and Head Sulemanki, remain on high alert.
According to PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, more than 3.5 million people have been affected. Nearly 4,000 settlements are underwater, and 1.5 million residents have been rescued so far.
To reduce pressure, embankments have been breached in Kabirwala, Pir Mahal, and Ahmadpur Sial, though this step has displaced thousands more.
In Bahawalnagar, the Sutlej River’s rising waters caused a temporary dam to break in the Basti Araiyan area. Standing crops have been destroyed, and nearby populations remain at risk as floodwaters spread further.
The looming danger extends beyond Punjab. Authorities warn that floodwaters from the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers may converge at Panjnad by September 5. Between September 6 and 7, nearly 900,000 cusecs could flow into Sindh.
Low-level flooding has already been reported at Guddu, Sukkur, Kotri, and Panjnad barrages. Residents in low-lying areas are urged to evacuate immediately.
Officials say the crisis has been worsened by heavy rains in Indian Punjab and the release of excess water from dams across the border. These combined inflows have created simultaneous high floods in multiple rivers, a rare and dangerous situation for the region.
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