Severe Flooding Hits Guddu Barrage
Severe Flooding Hits Guddu Barrage: The Punjab Flood Emergency 2025 has turned into a humanitarian and environmental crisis of historic proportions. Torrential monsoon rains, dam breaches, and overflowing rivers have devastated southern Punjab and parts of Sindh. Thousands of families have been uprooted, vital infrastructure like the M5 Motorway has been closed, and crops across hundreds of thousands of acres have been wiped out.
As rescue efforts continue, the true scale of the disaster is only beginning to unfold.
Dhondu Dam Breach and Shujaabad in Crisis
One of the most alarming developments came from Multan’s Shujaabad tehsil, where the crack in the Dhondu Dam expanded to 400 feet. In an emergency effort to prevent further destruction, the Zamindar Dam was broken, and its soil was used to fill the crack. Despite this, several more villages have been submerged, and people are struggling without access to food, water, or shelter.
Victims say they have never witnessed such devastating floods in their lifetime. For many, survival has become a daily battle.
Human Impact: Displacement and Casualties
The floods have directly affected over 5.4 lakh people and submerged 4,700 villages across Punjab. So far, 104 lives have been lost, and the toll is expected to rise if the situation doesn’t improve.
As monsoon alerts have been reissued from Tuesday, fresh rains are predicted in upper Punjab, raising fears of further flooding in already inundated areas.
FBISE Allocates Rs 500M for Fee Waiver Scheme to Support Deserving Students
Sindh Government’s Response and Appeal for Aid
In response to the worsening situation downstream, the Sindh Chief Minister visited Sukkur and Guddu Barrages to assess the damage and relief work. The government has formally appealed to the United Nations for international assistance.
He directed officials to stay on high alert, particularly in vulnerable and low-lying areas, stating that saving human lives is the government’s top priority. In Kashmore, over 30,000 people have already been evacuated without major resistance or challenges.
M5 Motorway Closure and Traffic Diversions
Due to heavy erosion from floodwaters, the M5 Motorway at Jalalpur Pirwala has been completely closed for all types of traffic. The PDMA Punjab, NHA, and local administration are actively placing sandbags and stones to reinforce the road and prevent a complete breach.
According to motorway officials, traffic is being diverted at various points:
- Northbound: Och Sharif, Jhangra, Jalalpur interchanges
- Southbound: Shah Shams, Sher Shah, Shujaabad South interchanges
Motorists are urged to follow official guidance and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas.
Widespread Flooding Across Southern Punjab
The floodwaters have reached dangerous levels in several districts, including:
- Shujaabad
- Rahim Yar Khan
- Ahmedpur Sharqia
- Rajanpur
- Vehari
The Indus River has touched high flood levels at Guddu Barrage, while the Federal Flood Commission has issued warnings for very high flood at Panjnad and Guddu barrages in the next 24–48 hours.
Muzaffargarh: Crops Destroyed and Lives Disrupted
In Muzaffargarh, more than 250,000 people have been displaced, and 209,000 acres of agricultural land have been submerged. The floods have devastated:
- 105 villages in Muzaffargarh Tehsil
- 26 in Alipur
- 16 in Jatoi
Over 221 rescue boats are currently deployed across the district, with continuous operations ongoing.
Relief and Rescue Operations Underway
Despite the massive scale of the disaster, relief efforts are in full swing:
- Rescue 1122 saved 40 passengers after a boat capsized in Jalalpur Khakhi.
- Flood relief camps have been established in multiple districts.
- Drones are being used to locate stranded individuals in remote areas.
- 110,000 people and over 100,000 livestock have been evacuated from the Kachha areas of Rajanpur.
The efforts are being made under extremely difficult conditions, with rescue workers risking their lives to save others.
Vehari, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan Devastated
More than 100 rural areas in Vehari are underwater, and crops on 76,000 acres have been destroyed. Similarly, several villages in Rahim Yar Khan are completely cut off, with people stranded in their homes as the Indus River floods worsen.
The flood has damaged roads, bridges, and communication infrastructure, making relief efforts more difficult.
Administrative Actions and Local Challenges
In light of mismanagement, Assistant Commissioner Alipur Faiz Farid Bhatta was removed, and Chaubara AC Noman Mahmood was appointed in his place.
Floodwaters have cut off roads such as Saitpur Road in Alipur, severely affecting areas like:
- Kachi Lal
- Kandrala
- Mardi
- Marian
- Gabol
- Ghalwa
Despite the challenges, emergency services like Rescue 1122 have responded promptly to critical cases — including saving a patient at Band Bosan flood point.
Punjab Faces New Rainfall 11th Spell as PDMA Highlights Flood Safety Measures
Water Levels and Expert Warnings
Although there has been a temporary decrease in water flow at Panjnad (422,522 cusecs), experts warn that this may not last. Continuous monitoring and preparedness are necessary to prevent further disasters.