New Rainfall System to Enter on Sep 16 Across Pakistan, Authorities on High Alert

Pakistan faces renewed challenges as a new rainfall system has been forecast from September 16 to 18, affecting Azad Jammu and Kashmir, northern and central Punjab, and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. While the Meteorological Department has indicated that the upcoming showers will not be as heavy as those in August, the risk of flooding remains high. Authorities have urged local administrations to stay vigilant and prepared.

Ongoing Flood Crisis in Punjab

Punjab continues to grapple with severe flooding. The embankments at Basti Baharan near Multan have collapsed, prompting officials to cut the Uch Sharif road to protect Multan from further flooding. Villages including Jhanbo, Kotla, Bahadurpur, and Sabra have been severely affected.

At Sher Shah dyke, floodwaters continue to press against the barrier. However, officials have postponed breaching the dyke due to a slight reduction in threat levels at Jalalpur Pirwala.

The flood wave at Head Panjnad has surpassed 660,000 cusecs, with Alipur nearly 70 percent submerged. Crop destruction and displacement of families are widespread.

In Lodhran’s Akbar Shah area, over 2,000 houses are submerged, and extensive damage to cotton, maize, rice, and sesame fields has been reported.

Arifwala remains vulnerable as flooding from the Sutlej River persists, with displaced families taking refuge in makeshift camps. In Liaquatpur, floodwaters have reached areas previously dry for decades, prompting ongoing evacuations.

Reservoirs Reach Critical Levels

Pakistan’s dams are nearing or at full capacity. Tarbela Dam has reached its maximum level of 1,550 feet, Rawal Dam is nearly full at 1,751.80 feet, Mangla is 92 percent full, and Simli Dam has also reached its maximum level. Spillways have been opened to release excess water, a necessary measure to protect dam infrastructure.

Floodwaters Spread to Sindh

Floodwaters from Punjab have now entered Sindh, with water levels rising sharply at Guddu and Sukkur barrages. Inflow at Guddu has exceeded 502,000 cusecs, while Sukkur is receiving 440,000 cusecs. Kotri is also experiencing a rapid increase in water flow.

Many villages in the kachha (riverine) belt are submerged, forcing families to evacuate and seek safer locations.

Authorities remain on high alert as Pakistan braces for the impact of the upcoming rains amid the ongoing flood crisis.

Read More: Karachi Paralysed as Heavy Monsoon Rains Trigger Flooding, Evacuations