Following heavy water releases from India, the Chenab River has swelled to extremely high levels, putting Punjab on high alert for one of the worst flood waves in years. Officials reported that the flood surge has already submerged hundreds of villages, displaced over 2 million people, and is expected to hit Multan with full force tonight.
Record Floodwater at Trimmu Headworks
At Head Trimmu, the Chenab recorded a dangerous 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 concerns of deliberate breaches to protect densely populated areas.
After passing through Sialkot, Wazirabad, and Chiniot, the flood surge has now entered Jhang, inundating more than 200 villages, destroying crops, and displacing thousands of families.
India Accused of “Water Aggression”
Pakistani authorities have accused India of releasing huge volumes of water into the Chenab without prior warning. Irrigation officials stated that all gates of the Salal Dam were opened, sending an estimated 800,000 cusecs downstream. A senior PDMA official said, “India has not shared any official information about the release, which amounts to water aggression,” adding that the unexpected surge has left Punjab vulnerable.
Multan, Muzaffargarh, and Rahim Yar Khan on High Alert
Authorities have placed 15 districts on 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.
Rising Casualties and Displacement
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 33 people have died in flood-related incidents across Punjab. More than 2 million residents have been directly affected, with 750,000 people and 500,000 livestock relocated to safer areas. Rescue 1122 teams, with assistance from the army and district administrations, have conducted mass evacuations. Authorities are also using digital thermal drones to locate stranded families in submerged areas.
Rains Expected to Worsen Situation
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited a flood relief camp in Kasur on Sunday, announcing a Rs1 million reward for Rescue 1122 for its performance. She praised the efforts of the PDMA and local administrations but emphasized 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 more heavy rains between September 1 and 3 in the upper catchments of the Sutlej and Ravi, which could further swell Punjab’s rivers. Urban flooding is also expected in the 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.
