Punjab is confronting one of the most devastating floods in its history, as surging waters from the Chenab and Sutlej rivers have resulted in at least 46 deaths and the displacement of millions. Officials have issued warnings that Multan city and critical infrastructure, including the Sher Shah Bridge, are under severe pressure as water inflows continue to rise.
The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) has reported that Tarbela Dam has reached its 100% capacity at 1,549.87 feet, while Mangla Dam is 87% full at 1,228.55 feet. Smaller reservoirs like Khanpur, Rawal, and Simli dams are also nearing their maximum levels, which increases the risk of downstream flooding.
“Extremely high” flood levels have been recorded at Head Sadhanai and Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej, while Khanki, Qadirabad, and Chiniot Bridge on the Chenab are experiencing “very high” flood situations. Marala, Ravi Siphon, Shahdara, Baloki, and Head Sulemanki have all been placed under a “high flood” alert.
Multan Under Threat
Authorities state that the water flow at Head Marala has exceeded 247,986 cusecs and continues to increase downstream:
- Khanki Head Works: 502,633 cusecs
- Qadirabad Head Works: 530,537 cusecs
- Chiniot Bridge: 494,190 cusecs
The Sher Shah Bridge in Multan is facing dangerous pressure. Officials fear that if water levels reach 417 feet, the defenses could fail. Villages in Kabirwala and Shujaabad have already been inundated, forcing families to flee to safer areas.
PDMA Confirms Widespread Impact
According to DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia, over 3.5 million people have been affected across Punjab, nearly 4,000 settlements are underwater, and 1.5 million people have been rescued to date. Embankments have been deliberately breached in Kabirwala, Pir Mahal, and Ahmadpur Sial to alleviate pressure, though this has led to the displacement of thousands.
In Bahawalnagar, the water level in the Sutlej River has risen again, with the discharge at Head Sulemanki recorded at 132,492 cusecs. The escalating pressure has caused another temporary dam to break, this time in the Basti Araiyan area of Mari Mian Sahib. As a result, standing crops have been submerged, and nearby communities are now at risk as floodwaters continue to spread.
Looming Danger for Sindh
Floodwaters from the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej are expected to converge at Panjnad by September 5. Authorities warn that between the night of September 6 and 7, approximately 900,000 cusecs could enter Sindh. Low-level flooding has already been reported at Guddu, Sukkur, Kotri, and Panjnad barrages, with residents advised to evacuate low-lying areas.
Indian Water Releases Worsen the Crisis
Officials attribute the deteriorating situation to heavy rains in Indian Punjab and the release of excess water from upstream dams. The compounded inflows have created a rare and perilous scenario of simultaneous high flood levels in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers.
