Punjab is bracing for one of the worst flood waves in years as the River Chenab swelled to extremely high levels on Monday following heavy water releases from India.
Officials said the flood surge has already submerged hundreds of villages, displaced over 2 million people, and threatens to hit Multan with full force tonight.
Record flood at Trimmu
At Head Trimmu, the Chenab recorded an alarming inflow of nearly 479,743 cusecs, placing it in the extremely high flood category. Authorities warned that a massive wave of up to 900,000 cusecs is expected to pass through the headworks, raising fears of deliberate breaches to save densely populated areas.
The flood surge has already entered Jhang after passing through Sialkot, Wazirabad, and Chiniot. More than 200 villages have been inundated, crops destroyed, and thousands of families displaced.
India accused of “water aggression”
Pakistani authorities have accused India of releasing huge volumes of water into the Chenab without prior notice. Irrigation officials said all gates of the Salal Dam were opened, sending an estimated 800,000 cusecs downstream.
“India has not shared any official information about the release, which amounts to water aggression,” a senior PDMA official said, adding that the unexpected surge has left Punjab vulnerable.
Multan, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan on high alert
Authorities have placed 15 districts under high alert, including Multan, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Vehari, and Pakpattan. Preparations are underway to deliberately breach embankments near Head Muhammad Wala to divert floodwaters if pressure continues to mount.
Dynamite has already been placed at key embankments as a precautionary measure. Officials fear the flood peak could reach Multan late tonight, with downstream districts facing severe risk in the next 48 hours.
Casualties and displacement rise
So far, at least 33 people have died in flood-related incidents across Punjab, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). More than 2 million residents have been directly affected, with 750,000 people and 500,000 livestock relocated to safer areas.
Rescue 1122 teams, aided by the army and district administrations, have carried out mass evacuations. Authorities are also using digital thermal drones to locate stranded families in submerged areas.
Rains to worsen situation
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited Kasur’s flood relief camp on Sunday, announcing a Rs1 million reward for Rescue 1122 for its performance in rescue operations. She praised the PDMA and local administrations for their efforts but stressed that more support will be needed as floodwaters advance.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said the extraordinary flood situation demands a “war-level response,” urging citizens in vulnerable districts to cooperate with evacuation orders.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rains between September 1 and 3 in the upper reaches of the Sutlej and Ravi, further swelling Punjab’s rivers. Urban flooding is also expected in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat divisions.
With the Chenab still rising and fresh downpours on the way, officials warn that Punjab’s flood crisis is far from over.
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