Punjab is battling one of the worst floods in its history as surging waters from the Chenab and Sutlej rivers have left at least 46 people dead and displaced millions.
Officials warned that Multan city and critical infrastructure, including Sher Shah Bridge, remain under extreme pressure as water inflows rise.
The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) reported that Tarbela Dam has reached 100% capacity at 1,549.87 feet, while Mangla Dam is 87% full at 1,228.55 feet. Smaller reservoirs such as Khanpur, Rawal and Simli dams are also close to their maximum levels, increasing the risk of downstream flooding.
Extremely high flood levels are being recorded at Head Sadhanai and Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej, while Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge on the Chenab are facing “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 say water flow at Head Marala has surpassed 247,986 cusecs and continues to rise 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 hit 417 feet, defenses could give way. Villages in Kabirwala and Shujaabad have already been inundated, forcing families to flee to safer areas.
PDMA confirms massive impact
According to DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia, over 3.5 million people have been affected across Punjab, nearly 4,000 settlements are under water, and 1.5 million people have been rescued so far.
Embankments have been breached in Kabirwala, Pir Mahal and Ahmadpur Sial to reduce pressure, though this has displaced thousands.
In Bahawalnagar, the water level in the Sutlej River has risen once again, with the discharge at Head Sulemanki recorded at 132,492 cusecs. The increasing 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 populations 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, around 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.
india’s water releases add to crisis
Officials attribute the worsening situation to heavy rains in Indian Punjab and the release of excess water from upstream dams.
The compounded inflows have created simultaneous high flood levels in Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers, a rare and dangerous scenario.
