A committee established by the prime minister to assess flood damages announced on Tuesday that initial estimates will be finalized within ten days based on “accurate and transparent field reports.” Simultaneously, PM Shehbaz Sharif has directed a “comprehensive assessment” of the losses.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who chaired the meeting, emphasized the need for a coordinated effort with the provinces to ensure a thorough assessment. However, provincial representatives noted that a final, accurate assessment could only be made once the floodwaters fully receded. Iqbal confirmed that, similar to the 2022 floods, a comprehensive Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) would be conducted with the help of international organizations.
In a separate meeting, PM Shehbaz stressed that this assessment would allow the government to formulate an effective rehabilitation strategy. He urged federal and inter-provincial institutions to cooperate fully and ensure the reports also include damages to crops and livestock, in addition to lives and properties. The prime minister also suggested using satellite technology from the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) for the assessment. He was informed that crop damage assessments for sugarcane, cotton, and rice would be completed within two weeks after the water subsides.
Sutlej River Flooding and Relief Efforts in Multan
Meanwhile, the Sutlej River continues to inundate villages in Jalalpur Pirwala, leading to widespread evacuations. As the river threatened urban areas, the Multan district administration initiated an operation to protect neighborhoods by reinforcing protective dykes along key roads. A breach on Shujaabad Road was quickly sealed using heavy machinery.
The construction of these embankments comes as water levels in the Chenab River recede, causing the Sutlej’s flow to shift towards residential areas. Furthermore, the Jalalpur section of the Multan-Uch Sharif motorway was submerged in over five locations, with ongoing efforts to drain the water.
Rescue 1122 teams have rescued 28,732 people and 2,998 animals in Multan and Muzaffargarh districts.
Flood Situation in Sehwan, Sindh
In Sindh’s Sehwan, two more villages were submerged as 400,000 cusecs of water flowed towards the Kotri Barrage on the Indus. Floodwaters cut off road access to these villages, isolating them from Sehwan. However, Rescue 1122 teams successfully rescued 35 people along with their livestock and belongings after their boat malfunctioned during an evacuation attempt.
Currently, water levels are showing a decreasing trend at most barrages. The inflow at Guddu Barrage was 609,137 cusecs and outflow was 580,927 cusecs. At Sukkur Barrage, inflow was 571,800 cusecs and outflow was 518,120 cusecs. At Kotri Barrage, the water level slightly increased, with an inflow of 300,853 cusecs and an outflow of 289,098 cusecs. At the Punjab head (Panjnad), inflow was 234,755 cusecs and outflow was 229,905 cusecs.
