Severe Flood Situation in Punjab & Sindh
Severe Flood Situation in Punjab & Sindh: The flood situation in Punjab and Sindh has turned critical as heavy monsoon rains and rising river levels have caused widespread destruction across both provinces. Overflowing rivers, including the Chenab, Sutlej, Ravi, and Indus, have flooded thousands of villages, displaced millions of people, and damaged infrastructure, crops, and homes. Rescue teams are working around the clock to save lives and relocate affected families to safer locations.
Flood Emergency in Southern Punjab
In southern Punjab, the Chenab River is currently experiencing a high-level flood. A massive flow of water up to 800,000 cusecs is passing through Head Muhammad Wala in Multan. The flood has entered several settlements, forcing the authorities to take swift action. Rescue teams have been deployed, and people are being evacuated to safer areas.
To ensure safety, Head Muhammad Wala Road has been closed for traffic near the Akbar Flood Dam, and barriers have been placed by the police. The administration is also prepared to make a controlled breach in the dam if water levels continue to rise.
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Government Action and Official Statements
Additional Chief Secretary Punjab, Fawad Hashim Rabbani, visited Muzaffargarh to monitor the rescue and relief efforts at Doaba, near the Chenab River. During his visit, he praised the administration and local communities for their response to the crisis.
He stated, “Our first priority is to save human lives. We are facing a tough situation, but with planning, caution, and cooperation, we can overcome this challenge. People should not panic but stay alert and follow the guidelines.”
Sutlej River Flooding and Dam Break in Bahawalnagar
In Bahawalnagar, the Chawika Bahadur Dam was breached due to a heavy flood surge in the Sutlej River, resulting in the submergence of multiple settlements. Roads have been washed away, including a major highway, cutting off access to many areas.
In Chichawatni, people are evacuating their homes with their livestock as floodwater inundates their villages. Tragically, a 45-year-old woman drowned in Pakkewala village in Jhang, highlighting the deadly nature of the ongoing floods.
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Ravi River Flooding in Nankana Sahib
A high flood level has also been recorded at the Head Block of the Ravi River in Nankana Sahib, where nearby communities are underwater. Victims have expressed frustration over the lack of timely aid, saying no assistance has reached them despite days of flooding.
Overview of Damage Across Punjab
According to the latest report from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA):
- Over 2400000 people have been affected by the floods.
- Around 3,200 villages have been submerged.
- Nearly 1 million people have been shifted to safer places.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also forecasted more rain and thunderstorms in the upper catchment areas of all major rivers over the next 24 hours. Areas at risk include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, and others.
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Flood Situation in Sindh
Sindh is also bracing for a major flood wave. A flow of 800,000 to 1.3 million cusecs is expected to pass through the province in the next few days. Low-level floods have already been reported at three major barrages in the province.
In Sukkur, the district council has been rescuing families stranded in floodwater using boats. Precautionary measures are being taken to minimize damage.
Indus River Impact Across Sindh
Floodwater from the Indus River has wreaked havoc across many areas in Sindh:
- In Kotri, 78 villages have been submerged.
- In Thatta, over 100 houses have been destroyed.
- In Ghotki and Sehwan, several Kachha areas have gone underwater.
- In Nowshera Feroze, rising water levels are increasing pressure on the SM Bachao Dam.
People are seen migrating to safer places by boats and setting up temporary shelters with little or no help from the authorities.
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Sindh Government’s Response
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed that water released from India will bring 1.2 to 1.3 million cusecs of water to the Guddu Barrage. He assured the public that:
- 550,000 cusecs have already safely passed through the Sukkur and Kotri Barrages.
- No barrage is at risk from the current flood wave.
- Preparations are in place to handle the expected large flood on September 4.