Large parts of Punjab and Sindh remain inundated as high-level floodwaters from the Indus River continue to submerge villages, threatening barrages in Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri.
Authorities are carrying out rescue and relief operations, while thousands of residents are being shifted to safer places.
According to reports, floods have submerged several areas of Muzaffargarh and Alipur, where the Punjab government is leading ongoing relief and rescue activities.
Meanwhile, flood relays have entered Sindh, where the rising water is putting immense pressure on the Kotri, Guddu, and Sukkur barrages. In many parts of Kachha, villages are underwater, leaving residents with no choice but to evacuate.
Situation at major barrages
The Irrigation Department has reported fluctuating water flows at key barrages.
Guddu Barrage recorded an inflow of 635,000 cusecs and outflow of 606,000 cusecs.
Sukkur Barrage recorded an inflow of 538,000 cusecs with outflow at 485,736 cusecs.
Kotri Barrage recorded 278,000 cusecs inflow and 267,000 cusecs outflow.
At Panjnad, inflow dropped by 60,000 cusecs, standing at 307,000 cusecs.
Flood relays from Guddu are now moving towards Sukkur, raising concerns that water levels will increase further in the next 24 hours.
Villages Submerged, Crops Destroyed
In Manjhand and Aliabad, rising waters have submerged vast tracts of agricultural land, destroying ready crops and deepening fears among local communities. A tragic incident was also reported, where a young man drowned while bathing in floodwaters near Manjhand.
In Ghotki and Kashmore, flood currents struck protective embankments, including Qadirpur Shankar and Ronti Bachao, forcing residents to relocate urgently.
Govt response and relief efforts
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said her cabinet members are present at relief camps to monitor operations, rejecting claims of inaction. She emphasized that authorities are ensuring timely assistance for flood-affected families.
In Bahawalnagar, a tent city for displaced families hosted a large screen for children to watch the Pakistan vs India Asia Cup match, an initiative personally overseen by the Deputy Commissioner.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah estimated that water inflows may reach 650,000 to 700,000 cusecs in the province, significantly higher than the earlier 110,000 cusecs projection by NDMA. He urged federal support through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
Impact on dams and water reserves
Despite the devastation, monsoon rains have helped replenish Pakistan’s water reservoirs. According to WAPDA, Tarbela and Chashma have reached full capacity, while Mangla has only four feet left before hitting its limit.
Total usable storage now exceeds 12.9 million acre feet.
Tarbela’s storage stands at 5.7 million acre feet.
Mangla’s water level has reached 1237 feet.
Chashma is filled up to 311,000 acre feet.
