LAHORE (Monetoring Desk) – Punjab has been thrown into one of its worst flood crises in history as all three of its major rivers — Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej — swelled beyond capacity at the same time, forcing the government to take unprecedented measures.
With nearly 855,000 cusecs of water predicted to reach Head Trimmu within a day, authorities began carrying out controlled breaches of protective embankments to divert the surging torrents and save urban centers from devastation.
Officials confirmed that over 429,000 people have been evacuated, with explosives used near Athara Hazari, Rivaz Bridge, Rungpur and Sher Shah to release pressure on key points. The decision was described as the “only option left” by Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed, who said, “We are deploying all available machinery to protect lives and infrastructure.”
Floodwater advancing across Punjab
- At Rivaz Bridge, the Chenab’s water level held at 521.9 feet, just shy of the danger mark.
- At Head Muhammad Wala, authorities braced for an incoming surge of up to 800,000 cusecs.
- NDMA alerts were issued for Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad headworks, with residents warned of “very high flood” conditions.
- The Ravi River showed mixed patterns, while the Sutlej recorded alarming flows at Ganda Singh Wala (385,569 cusecs) — the highest since the catastrophic floods of 1955.
Human toll and displacement
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), 1.46 million people across 1,769 villages (mouzas) have been hit by the floods, with at least 28 lives lost so far.
More than 429,177 residents and 300,174 cattle have been relocated, with 365 relief camps set up across Punjab. PDMA chief Irfan Ali Kathia described the situation as “historic”, saying:
“For the first time in Pakistan’s history, the Sutlej, Chenab and Ravi are flooding simultaneously. The Sutlej alone is facing the worst deluge since 1955, made worse by a dam breach across the border.”
Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal and Pakpattan remain on high alert, while downstream communities are preparing for further water surges.
Multan prepares for worst-case scenario
In Multan division, officials said 119,715 residents have been shifted to safer locations, while 84 relief camps are operational with food, medical facilities and fodder for livestock.
Commissioner Amir Kareem Khan said contingency plans include breaching Head Muhammad Wala Road if floodwaters threaten the city. Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu added that the administration is targeting relocation of 300,000 people by Saturday night.
Monsoon rains continue
Meanwhile, the ninth monsoon spell has intensified, with heavy rainfall forecast across Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Kasur, Jhang, Multan and several other districts until September 2.
The PDMA warned that the situation is still evolving, with downstream areas likely to face greater pressure in the coming days.
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