Over 1.2 Million Affected in Punjab Flood Crisis

News Desk

Islamabad: Southern Punjab is on high alert as the Sutlej and Chenab rivers continue to swell, triggering mass evacuations across Multan, Kasur, Bahawalnagar, and neighboring districts.

Authorities have warned that more than 300,000 people could be in danger in the coming hours if water levels continue to rise.

Multan under looming threat

In Multan, over 119,000 residents have already been relocated to safer areas, but officials fear that hundreds of villages could still be submerged. To safeguard the city, a controlled breach at Head Muhammad Wala has been planned, with nearly 60% of residents already evacuated.

The National Emergency Operations Center has projected that Trimmu could receive 700,000–800,000 cusecs of water by August 31, while Panjnad may face 650,000–700,000 cusecs by September 3.

Sutlej at highest level since 1955

At Ganda Singh Wala, the Sutlej has surged past 385,000 cusecs — its most dangerous level since 1955 — placing Kasur city at severe risk. Authorities are considering breaching embankments to protect urban settlements.

Floodwaters have already inundated large swathes of Chunian, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Pakpattan, and Vehari, where villages are submerged, electricity cut off, and thousands of families displaced.

Chenab and Ravi swelling

The Chenab is carrying a massive wave of 855,000 cusecs downstream, putting Chiniot and Trimmu Headworks under growing pressure. Meanwhile, although the Ravi has receded at Shahdara, it continues to overflow into Lahore’s outskirts, submerging nearby rural areas.

Province-wide devastation

According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA):

• 1,769 villages submerged
• 1.23 million people affected
• 248,000 residents displaced
• 148,000 animals rescued
• 28 deaths reported so far

Rescue efforts remain underway in Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Nankana Sahib, and Rajanpur, with support from the Army, Rangers, and Rescue 1122.

Govt response and criticism

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the establishment of relief camps in all affected districts, providing food, shelter, and medical assistance. More than 265 medical camps are currently operational, while livestock and displaced families are being shifted to safer areas.

Meanwhile, PDMA officials criticized India for delayed water-release data, blaming the lack of timely information for worsening flood destruction across Punjab.