The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has sounded a major alarm over the rising flood crisis in Punjab, warning that Qadirabad Headworks on the Chenab River is under severe pressure and at risk of collapse.
Authorities fear that if the structure gives way, the districts of Hafizabad and Chiniot could face devastating consequences.
Qadirabad Headworks facing extreme flood pressure
According to PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, water flow at Qadirabad Headworks has surged to 1,077,000 cusecs, far beyond its designed capacity of 800,000 cusecs. Extremely dangerous high-level flood continues at Head Qadirabad in the Chenab River.
- Continuous water pressure is eroding the left embankment, creating the risk of a major crack.
- Machinery and staff have been deployed to strengthen the structure.
- Rescue officials have ordered the immediate evacuation of nearby villages, with Punjab Police instructed to assist.
Announcements are being made in mosques to alert residents and ensure timely evacuation.
Dangerous flood levels in Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers
Flood alerts are not limited to Qadirabad alone. The PDMA has confirmed that:
- At the Ravi River Siphon point, water flow has crossed 91,000 cusecs, creating a high-level flood.
- Downstream from Qadirabad, the Chenab’s massive discharge is moving towards Trimmu Barrage, which has a maximum capacity of 875,000 cusecs — but is now expected to receive more than 1,077,000 cusecs.
- At Panjnad Barrage, 1,428,000 cusecs of water are flowing from the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers, far exceeding its design limit of 865,000 cusecs.
- Flooding of the Trimmu and Panjand Barrages poses a threat to their structures.
Emergency measures: SOPs to breach dams if necessary
With barrage structures under unprecedented pressure, authorities have approved contingency measures. They have decided to implement SOPs for breaking the embankment to save the barrage:
- A four-member committee, including the deputy commissioner, army representatives, and officials from the irrigation and communication departments, has been given powers to breach embankments with explosives if needed.
- The most dangerous period for Trimmu Barrage is expected on Friday night (August 29), while Panjnad Barrage will face peak risk between September 2 and 3. The decision to make a breach to save the barrage will be made on the evening of August 29, sources said, adding that there are only 24 hours between the three river flows heading towards Panjnad Barrage.
- Officials stressed that any controlled breaches will be preceded by advance public warnings to minimise loss of life.
PDMA urges vigilance and cooperation
The PDMA has directed deputy commissioners across flood-prone districts to stay on high alert and ensure rapid evacuation from vulnerable areas. Relief and rescue teams are on-site, working around the clock to strengthen embankments and monitor water flows.
DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia emphasized: “The safety of people’s lives is the top priority. Citizens must cooperate with local administration and evacuate immediately from danger zones.”
