Punjab( The COW News Digital)Punjab continues to face an alarming flood situation as swollen rivers—including the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej—submerge dozens of districts and threaten millions of residents. The National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) has issued a high-level flood alert, while provincial authorities continue rescue and relief operations across affected areas.
According to the Flood Forecasting Division, the water level at Shahdara on the Ravi River reached 217,660 cusecs by 6 pm yesterday, marking a dangerous surge. At the Balloki Barrage, water levels peaked at 104,435 cusecs, while Jassar recorded 99,470 cusecs of moderate flooding.
The Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala has also witnessed an unusually high flood level of 261,053 cusecs. Meanwhile, Head Suleman Ki is experiencing moderate flooding, and Head Islam a low-level flood situation. The Chenab River remains the most critical, with Qadirabad recording 534,409 cusecs after previously exceeding 660,000 cusecs. Other locations like Head Khanqi and Head Trimu have seen controlled or limited flows.
In Multan, authorities decided to create a controlled breach at Head Muhammad Wala to reduce the flood pressure on surrounding settlements. Deputy Commissioner Wasim Hameed confirmed that 60 percent of the local population has been evacuated so far, with ongoing efforts to relocate the remaining residents.
The NEOC warns that water levels at Head Trimu could reach 700,000–800,000 cusecs by August 31, potentially impacting Jhang and nearby regions. Floodwaters are expected to reach Panjnad by September 3, with an anticipated flow of 650,000–700,000 cusecs.
Rivers overflowing into villages have destroyed standing crops, submerged homes, and breached smaller embankments. Reports indicate that 11 people have lost their lives due to collapsing roofs and rising waters.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, speaking during a site visit along the Ravi, described the floods as historic. She emphasized that the fatalities were minimized due to timely evacuations of thousands of residents and their livestock. She urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid approaching flood-affected areas.
Rescue operations across Punjab remain extensive. More than 3,000 people have been relocated from high-risk zones, with a total of over 45,000 residents evacuated province-wide. The most affected districts include Gujrat, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur, Okara, and Pakpattan.
Punjab’s flood relief system is operating 669 boats with 2,861 rescuers. Livestock evacuations have also been undertaken, with 2,392 animals relocated to safety. Seven flood relief camps provide medical care, food, and essential facilities under the guidance of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
