LAHORE/ISLAMABAD/ SUKKUR: The second deluge from Akhnoor in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir has entered Pakistan through the Chenab River, creating an extremely high flood situation at Head Marala.
India formally informed Pakistan of high-level floods in the Sutlej River. The Indian High Commission conveyed through a letter that heavy floods are expected in the lower Harike and lower Ferozpur stretches of the Sutlej. India also reported elevated flood levels in the Tawi River in Jammu. Following the alert, Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources issued a nationwide warning.
Authorities have closed the Chenab Bridge for all types of traffic and placed the administration on high alert.
Pakistani officials confirmed that the torrent released by India is now moving towards Head Khanki. Several villages have already been evacuated, while preparations have been made to create the first protective crack near Head Khanki bridge if the water flow exceeds 600,000 cusecs.
Announcements from mosques were made to ensure evacuation of nearly 450 villages. Severe erosion near Talibwala Pattan in Bhalwal has already destroyed several acres of farmland. Meanwhile, in Multan, Ravi River water has entered the railway track near Abdul Hakeem, prompting authorities to consider cracking Head Muhammadwala to ease pressure on the Akbar Flood Dam.
The Flood Warning Centre Kasur reported that the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh (Kikar Post) had reached 23.70 feet, with a water flow of 319,673 cusecs. At Talwar Post, the level stood at 12.60 feet, while Fateh Muhammad Post recorded 14.60 feet. Authorities warned the river’s level may rise further, threatening nearby settlements.
Since Sept 1, dozens of additional villages in the Ganda Singhwala area have been affected, with hundreds of acres of farmland, crops, and houses damaged by the surging waters.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecast further rains across the province until Sept 5, raising fears of worsening flood conditions.
Commissioner Gujranwala Division Naveed Haider Shirazi, RPO Tayyab Hafeez Cheema, and DC Sialkot Saba Asghar Ali visited Marala Headworks on Wednesday to review the flood situation in Chenab and its tributaries, Jammu Tawi and Manawar Tawi.
DC Saba reported that 28 relief camps were active across Sialkot district. She said the Chenab River, which peaked at 549,735 cusecs, had receded to 493,583 cusecs by evening, though still at very high flood levels. Jammu Tawi showed medium and stable flood levels at 18,467 cusecs, while Manawar Tawi recorded a rising high flood at 11,542 cusecs.
Rising waters from the Sutlej River have inundated 42,999 acres of farmland and impacted 83 villages in Burewala, affecting over 65,000 residents. Deputy Commissioner Umrana Tauqir confirmed that 95pc of people and more than 40,000 livestock have been safely evacuated.
Authorities have set up 17 flood relief camps, 11 medical camps, and 11 livestock camps. Medical teams have treated 1,344 people, while mobile clinics assisted 495 more. Veterinary units have vaccinated and treated 4,372 animals. Daily rations are reaching 6,500 people, alongside fodder and supplies for livestock.
With 95,727 cusecs of water flowing through Head Islam, flood risks remain high. Rescue teams have shifted 4,499 people and 255 animals, while all departments continue round-the-clock relief efforts.
Train traffic between Karachi, Faisalabad and other destinations via Shorkot and Toba Tek Singh was suspended after floodwater from the Ravi River submerged a railway bridge at Abdul Hakim. The flooding intensified when the Mai Safooran spur in Pirmahal tehsil was deliberately breached by the army late Tuesday night after water discharge exceeded 172,000 cusecs against the river’s 150,000 cusec capacity, inundating dozens of villages in Pirmahal and Abdul Hakim.
At Kamalia, water levels have since receded, and repair work is underway on the Kamalia-Chichawatni and Kamalia-Harappa roads, though traffic remained suspended for a third consecutive day on Wednesday. The Pirmahal-Abdul Hakim road also remains closed due to overflowing floodwaters.
Extreme flooding continues in the Chenab River at Head Muhammadwala in Multan and Muzaffargarh, though officials say the slow flow of water has delayed its full impact on Multan. Irrigation experts attributed the sluggish movement to heavy siltation and lack of desilting, which reduce the river’s carrying capacity and slow discharge. At Trimmu Headworks, water levels dropped from 399,020 cusecs late Tuesday to 294,754 cusecs by Wednesday, but discharge remained slow at around 7,000 cusecs per hour.
An extremely high flood has been reported in the River Ravi, with water flow at Head Sidhnai surging to 173,000 cusecs. The floodwaters crossed the Abdul Hakeem railway bridge, forcing suspension of train operations on the Khanewal-Shorkot section. Authorities also confirmed water had reached Batiyanwala Bridge, further heightening risks to infrastructure.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Salma Suleman said inflow and outflow at Head Sidhnai was 161,280 cusecs, with round-the-clock monitoring underway. So far, 126,837 people have been evacuated from Ravi and Chenab belts, while 136 villages in Kabirwala and Mian Channu remain affected. Eighteen relief camps in Kabirwala and five in Mian Channu are providing food, shelter, and medical care. Rescue teams saved 34 people trapped in Ravi’s floodwaters on Wednesday.
To protect Head Sidhnai, authorities deliberately blasted two sections of the Mai Safuran embankment near Pir Mahal, diverting water into surrounding areas. However, an embankment breach near Kot Islam sent torrents into farmland and residential areas, worsening local hardship.
In Multan, officials warned that up to 800,000 cusecs could pass through the district today. Around 400,000 people have already been evacuated, though displaced families reported inadequate relief, citing lack of clean water, medical support and fodder for livestock.
Authorities urged residents to cooperate with rescue teams as the flood threat remains severe amid rising inflows and continued rains.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited flood-affected areas of Multan on Wednesday, where she mingled with children and women in relief camps and personally distributed chocolates, biscuits, school uniforms, and other gifts.
Later, CM Maryam visited the Head Muhammadwala breaching point, where she personally received families rescued with their livestock by Rescue 1122. Officials briefed her that 364,000 people and 138 villages had been affected, while over 120,000 livestock were evacuated. Currently, 7,862 victims are residing in 25 relief camps with meals served thrice daily and 24-hour medical support.
Meanwhile, the Sindh government intensified preparations as a massive flood is expected to enter the province between Thursday and Friday (September 4-5). Provincial Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro visited the Moria Loop Embankment in Larkana on Wednesday to review strengthening work and inspect protective structures.
Chief Engineer Mukhtiar Abro briefed the minister that one side of a three-head spur on the Moria embankment had slipped, causing the river’s flow to directly hit the structure. To divert the pressure, a stone shield and head spur are being constructed inside the embankment.
Talking to the media, Minister Shoro said water levels in Punjab rivers have risen sharply, with Chenab’s flow at Trimmu recorded at 550,000 cusecs. He added that additional flows from the Ravi will merge with the Chenab, raising water levels further as the flood moves towards Panjnad. “No matter how much water comes, we are preparing for a super flood,” he emphasized, identifying Moria Loop, Aqil Agani, and Old Abad embankments as sensitive points.
He recalled that while in 2014 floodwaters came from Chenab and Jhelum, this year both Chenab and Sutlej are carrying massive flows, with the Sutlej experiencing such flooding after 40 years. He noted discrepancies in Punjab’s river flow data, saying some gauges were damaged or submerged, making it difficult to get precise figures. “The exact picture will be clear in two to three days,” he said.
Shoro said that once floodwaters pass Kot Mithan, they would reach the Indus within two days. To cope with the situation, the Sindh government has set up camps at Guddu and Sukkur and assigned ministers to oversee relief operations. “We are not water experts, but we are working alongside engineers and specialists to protect people’s lives and property,” he said, adding that Sindh remembers well the devastation of the 2010 floods.
Meanwhile, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on Wednesday visited flood-hit areas of Nankana, including Nawan Kot, Bachoki Par, Jeevan Pur, and Ganish Pur. He inspected relief camps, met with affected families, and reviewed available facilities.
Speaking to the media, the governor stressed that this was not the time for politics, urging all stakeholders to participate in relief efforts. He said Punjab has been severely affected by floods and assured that all resources would be utilized for the rehabilitation of victims.
Governor Haider announced that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would soon visit flood-affected areas and reiterated that the doors of Governor’s House remain open 24/7 for those in need. He also appealed to the prime minister to grant six months’ relief in electricity bills for flood-hit families.
Meanwhile, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani called on all Pakistanis to demonstrate unity and support flood-affected families across the country.
Speaking to journalists during visits to relief camps in Jhok Waince, Basti Riazabad and Lakwala Nawabpur on Wednesday, he stressed that difficult times demand collective efforts instead of criticism.
Gilani said thousands have been displaced by recent floods, particularly in Punjab, and urged people to immediately evacuate vulnerable areas to save lives. He noted that relief camps in Multan and adjoining regions are providing food, medicine and veterinary support, with doctors and supplies available.
He highlighted cases of skin diseases and snake bites but assured adequate medical response. The Senate chairman confirmed the provision of 1,000 additional relief camps and said all departments remain on high alert as Chenab River levels are being closely monitored. Gilani also acknowledged CM Maryam Nawaz’s visit to Multan and her assurance of full cooperation in rehabilitation. He said losses will be assessed after the floods and necessary assistance will be extended to victims. Local landowners, political leaders, and MNA Ali Qasim Gilani accompanied him during the visit.
