Authorities in Punjab have declared a high alert across 11 districts as powerful floodwaters move further downstream, posing serious risks to major urban centres, including Multan. Emergency teams are racing against time to strengthen embankments, manage evacuations, and prepare for controlled breaches where necessary.
Over 400,000 people have already been evacuated from low-lying areas across Punjab. According to the Punjab Relief Department, nearly half a million residents and more than 400,000 livestock have been shifted to safer zones. Officials described the operation as one of the largest rescue efforts in the province’s history, involving boats, helicopters, and hundreds of relief camps.
Three Rivers in High Flood
For the first time, the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers are all in high flood simultaneously. The Sutlej has inundated parts of Bahawalnagar, Pakpattan, Lodhran, and several other districts, wiping out crops and cutting off dozens of villages. The Chenab continues to surge toward Multan, where authorities are preparing five embankments for potential breaches to save densely populated areas. Meanwhile, the Ravi remains swollen at multiple headworks, forcing continuous monitoring.
Strategic Measures to Protect Cities
Officials have begun controlled demolitions of protective bunds to ease pressure on major structures. Explosives have already been used near Jhang and other sensitive areas, redirecting water flow. Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed stated that these steps are necessary to protect urban centres, saying, “Every possible measure is being taken to prevent loss of life.”
Rising Risk from Dams and Barrages
Adding to the danger, water levels at Tarbela and Mangla dams are at or near maximum storage capacity. Downstream barrages including Taunsa, Guddu, and Sukkur are witnessing sharp increases in flow, raising fears of flooding further south in the Indus basin.
Deaths and Damage Reported
At least 30 people have lost their lives in flood-related incidents so far. Thousands of homes and vast farmlands remain under water, forcing early harvesting in some districts as farmers struggle to save what they can.
Multan Braces for Major Flood Wave
The Chenab River is expected to bring up to 800,000 cusecs of water near Multan in the next two days. Authorities have already planned to relocate around 300,000 residents from vulnerable neighbourhoods. Emergency announcements are being made in mosques, urging families to move to relief camps.
With heavy rains continuing and inflows rising, experts warn the crisis is far from over. Officials have urged residents in at-risk districts to remain vigilant, stressing that saving lives is the government’s top priority as Punjab faces one of the worst floods in its history.
