Fresh Flood Wave Wreaks Havoc in Punjab, Sindh

Bahawalpur – A new surge of floodwaters from the River Sutlej has caused widespread destruction in southern Punjab, breaching embankments and inundating villages.

In Bahawalpur’s Sahlan village, a breach in the Zamindara Bund flooded Basti Hussainabad and nearby settlements, destroying several houses and forcing residents to evacuate.

Authorities have issued a red alert as another powerful wave from Head Trimmu threatens Multan. Deputy Commissioner Multan warned that a flood surge of more than 414,000 cusecs could strike embankments within two days. Parts of Shujaabad and Jalalpur Pirwala are already affected, and residents of riverine areas have been told not to return home.

The slow discharge of water has prevented the expected drop in river levels over the past 36 hours. Officials may consider breaching operations if the pressure intensifies.

Meanwhile, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the province is on high alert. Low-level flooding has been recorded at Guddu, Sukkur, Kotri, and Marala barrages. Over 109,000 people have been relocated from riverine areas, and more than 169 medical camps are providing aid to 28,000 people.

The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that water levels in Sutlej, Head Islam, and Sulemanki are gradually receding, with no new flood surge reported from India. However, floodwaters are expected to enter Sindh tonight, with a flow of 700,000–800,000 cusecs.

Heavy flooding is also reported in several districts:

• Ahmedpur East: large areas submerged

• Chacharan: flood wave of 800,000–900,000 cusecs expected in 48 hours

• Rahim Yar Khan: 34 villages affected

• Alipur: River Chenab floodwaters damaged crops

• Muzaffargarh: 2,000 homes hit in Sher Shah village

• Pindi Bhattian: flood wave of 557,000 cusecs passing

• Ahmedpur Sial: breach in Sumand Wana Bund submerged nearby areas

• Burewala: flow at Jumlera reached 160,000 cusecs

Tragically, floodwaters have claimed more lives. A 35-year-old man drowned in Ahmedpur Sial, while a 16-year-old boy lost his life in Saldira. The total death toll in Punjab has now risen to 51.