Multan braces for major flood influx as threat persists across Punjab; Sindh on alert

LAHORE (Dunya News) – The flood threat has eased in Punjab’s capital, Lahore, but a historic water flow at Ganda Singh Wala in Sutlej River has triggered severe flood threat with raging water advancing toward south.

Water discharge at Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej River has decreased from 390,000 cusecs to approximately 303,828 cusecs as of 6 am, but flood risks remain high at Head Suleimanki and Head Islam.

So far, 28 fatalities have been reported in flood-related incidents across the province.

Kasur Faces Historic Flood Surge

According to the Flood Forecasting Division, the flood level at Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej River remains extremely high, prompting authorities to evacuate villages near Talwar Post.

The unprecedented flow is the highest recorded since 1955, with rising water levels attributed to a breach of a dam in India. Officials warn that protecting Kasur city remains a significant challenge.

Multan Braces for Major Flood Influx

A massive flood surge is expected to enter Multan by this evening, with over 300,000 people already displaced due to flooding in surrounding areas.

Locals have complained about inadequate rescue boats and the lack of arrangements for moving livestock, further complicating evacuation efforts.

Chistian

The outskirts of Chishtian have also witnessed floods caused by the overflowing Sutlej River, resulting in water entering homes and villages. Approximately 50 settlements are severely impacted, and residents are being moved to safer locations.

Also Read: Field Marshal Asim Munir visits flood-hit Punjab, promises to restore Kartarpur Gurdwara

Ravi River Levels Surge, Lahore Remains Safe

Water levels at Head Balloki on the Ravi River continue to rise, reaching 192,545 cusecs, with Head Sidhnai also seeing increases. However, flow has reduced at Shahdara Lahore and Jassar, providing some relief to Lahore city. Meanwhile, floodwaters continue to rise at Head Panjnad on the Chenab River.

Floods Devastate Sialkot and Surrounding Areas

A breach near Budiana town in Sialkot has submerged several villages, isolating dozens of communities due to damage on the only route connecting Zafarwal and Lahri. Thousands of acres of rice crops have been destroyed, and traffic on the Sialkot-Pasrur road has been halted. Over 85 villages in Bajwat have lost land connectivity with Sialkot, leaving residents trapped.

Flood Impact Expands in Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, and Faisalabad

At Jalalpur Pirwala, the Sutlej River is flowing at 50,000 cusecs, impacting 140 villages. Rajanpur officials are relocating residents from low-lying areas due to the high flood threat. In Bahawalpur, migration from flood-prone areas continues, while Faisalabad’s Tandlianwala tehsil remains on high alert with ongoing evacuations.

Chenab Floods Affect Hafizabad, Gujranwala

Floodwaters from the Chenab have severely affected districts like Hafizabad and Gujranwala, submerging 40 villages in Hafizabad alone.

Sindh and Balochistan Prepare for Incoming Flood Threat

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of severe flooding risks in Sindh, with the Indus River expected to witness surges of up to 900,000 cusecs in early September.

Floodwaters released from upstream barrages in India and Punjab could inundate lower Sindh areas.

Balochistan also faces flood threats, with water expected to enter the province from the Indus River by September 2. Districts including Jaffarabad, Rojhan, Usta Muhammad, and Sohbatpur are at risk of flooding. Provincial authorities have set up a camp office in Naseerabad to monitor the situation closely.

Relief Efforts

According to PDMA Director General Irfan Kathia, the Punjab government has announced compensation of Rs 1 million for families of flood victims. So far, more than 265,000 people and 155,000 livestock have been shifted to safe zones. Nearly 355 relief camps have been set up across flood-hit areas.

Despite large-scale evacuations, severe shortages of food, drinking water, and shelter are being reported, particularly in Pakpattan and southern Punjab.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has lauded the use of Safe City Authority drones to track stranded people and livestock, terming it an effective rescue strategy.

Flood Forecasting Division has warned that the Chenab River could reach an “exceptionally high flood” level at Head Trimmu and Head Panjnad in the coming days, while the Sutlej continues to flow in very high flood at Ganda Singh Wala.

Army continues rescue efforts

The Pakistan Army is actively conducting rescue and relief operations in flood-affected areas across Punjab, including Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, and Head Khanki.