High Flood Alert in Punjab as Chenab, Sutlej Rise

LAHORE – Punjab is facing extreme flooding as major rivers cross dangerous levels, forcing thousands of families to evacuate.

The Chenab River at Ganda Singh Wala will remain at very high flood levels until September 10. The Indus near Guddu Barrage is also expected to face high to very high floods between September 6 and 7.

Heavy rains have worsened the situation. At Head Marala, water flow has crossed 531,000 cusecs, leading to bridge closures and police deployment. Other rivers are also overflowing:

• Khanki: 339,470 cusecs

• Qadirabad: 232,450 cusecs

• Trimmu: 355,744 cusecs

• Panjnad: 182,107 cusecs

• Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala: 269,501 cusecs

• Sulemanki: 122,736 cusecs

Over 3,300 villages have been affected, displacing more than 3.36 million people. Around 400 relief camps and 385 veterinary camps have been set up, while nearly 800,000 animals have been shifted to safer areas.

In Bahawalnagar alone, 6,690 people from 124 villages have evacuated. Authorities have also used explosives at Myi Safuran bund near Head Sidhnai to divert water and protect nearby settlements.

NDMA has warned that floodwaters from India and occupied Kashmir will enter Punjab, with rivers expected to converge at Panjnad in Bahawalpur, Rajanpur, and Muzaffargarh by September 4.

Officials are on high alert as Khanpur Dam has reached full capacity. Residents, especially in low-lying areas, are advised to remain cautious as more rain and floods are expected until September 10.