India’s release of more water into the Sutlej River has intensified the flood emergency in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, where rivers are overflowing and thousands are displaced. The Indian High Commission has formally notified Pakistan of the release, confirmed by the Ministry of Water Resources, sparking concerns of severe inundation in Harike and Ferozepur.
Rising waters have already claimed lives in South Punjab. Eight individuals were swept away in Muzaffargarh’s Alipur district; two have been rescued, one child’s body recovered, and five remain missing. The Indus River at Guddu Barrage is also experiencing a steady increase in its level.
The Ministry of Water Resources has issued high-level flood alerts for the Sutlej, especially near Harike and Ferozepur, and emergency notifications have been disseminated to all concerned agencies.
In Lodhran, a breached embankment flooded villages including Hayatpur, Muradpur, and Peoplewala. Rescue personnel saved three boys from the deluge. Bahawalpur’s Deputy Commissioner reported 98 locations partially or fully submerged, impacting over 150,000 people.
Severe flooding in the Chenab River has swamped much of South Punjab. The next 48 hours are deemed crucial for Multan and surrounding areas facing an ‘unprecedented flood emergency.’ Mass evacuations are in progress.
Areas at risk include Multan, Muzaffargarh, Shujaabad, Khan Garh, Jalalpur Pirwala, Uch Sharif, and Alipur. A major flood surge is approaching Head Mohammad Wala and Sher Shah Bridge. While Sher Shah’s water level is currently below the critical mark, officials are preparing for the worst.
If water levels at Sher Shah surpass 393.50 feet, authorities will breach the embankment, potentially affecting 8,000 homes and displacing 30,000 residents. As of Tuesday, 138 villages in Muzaffargarh were inundated, affecting 135,000 inhabitants. In Rangpur, 28 more villages were flooded, displacing 50,000. The Sher Shah Bridge Road, linking Multan and Muzaffargarh, was briefly closed then reopened to limited vehicles.
Multan’s Deputy Commissioner, Waseem Hamid Sindhu, said a 500,000 cusec surge from Head Trimmu is elevating levels at Head Mohammad Wala. Further increases could lead to an intentional breach of the Sher Shah road to control overflow.
In the past day, 2,000 people were rescued from Jalalpur Pirwala, which remains under emergency status for the next 24 hours due to the combined threat from the Sutlej and Chenab rivers.
Commissioner Multan, Aamir Kareem Khan, overseeing rescue work in Jalalpur Pirwala, reported 50 impacted villages with over 235,296 individuals and 180,000 livestock relocated.
PDMA Director General Irfan Kathia stated northern Punjab villages might return to normalcy within two days. Trimmu Barrage’s water levels are receding, and Head Panjnad’s flow has reached 300,000 cusecs. A 400,000 cusec surge towards Guddu Barrage might ease pressure on South Punjab.
Currently, 80,000 individuals are sheltered in 488 relief camps. Over 2.1 million have been evacuated, and approximately 1.95 million acres of farmland are submerged across Punjab.
Guddu Barrage’s water levels on the Indus are climbing, exceeding 500,000 cusecs, a 50,000 cusec increase in the last 24 hours. Inflow is recorded at 502,844 cusecs, and outflow at 492,443 cusecs. A major flood situation could arise in the next 12 hours.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported substantial rainfall in Sindh. Thatta received the most at 110 mm, followed by Padidan (63.6 mm), Dadu (56.4 mm), and other cities experiencing significant precipitation.
Southern Punjab and parts of Sindh remain critically affected by record rainfall, rising rivers, and extensive flooding. Authorities are on high alert with rescue efforts continuing.