The flooding crisis in Punjab is deteriorating as water levels increase in key rivers, with officials cautioning of extremely high floods in Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab by September 5.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) have alerted all departments due to increasing water flows at various headworks.
The relief commissioner of Punjab indicates a chance of an abnormal rise in river flow because of rainfall in the higher regions. Nabeel Javed stated that all concerned departments are on standby, following the directives of the Punjab chief minister.
Rivers in Punjab Facing Severe Stress.
As per PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia, the upcoming two to four hours are vital at Head Sidhnai, where water flow has hit 137,000 cusecs and the dam is at risk of failing. He also mentioned that the upstream current at Head Sidhnai from Head Balloki is 150,000 cusecs, whereas the water flow at the dam is 137,000 cusecs.
Kathia mentioned that a significant flood wave from the Chenab River is on its way to southern Punjab, and the Safooran Dam at Head Sidhnai may be at risk of breaching. He also mentioned that a significant flood from Head Sidhnai will head towards Head Muhammad Wala when issues arise.
He also informed that at Head Trimmu, there was an exceptionally high flood with water discharges surpassing 516,000 cusecs, which is still rising. The water flow at Qadirabad headworks on the Chenab River is measured at 135,000 cusecs, whereas Khanki is at 120,000 cusecs and Marala is at 96,000 cusecs, he stated.
The Sutlej River continues to experience significant flooding. In Ganda Singhwala, the water level stands at 253,000 cusecs, whereas at Sulemanki it has attained 124,000 cusecs. Likewise, the Ravi River is rising with 54,000 cusecs at Jassar and 60,000 cusecs at Shahdara, Kathia mentioned.
He cautioned that 600,000 cusecs of floodwater will arrive in Alipur on September 5, and floodwaters might flow into Sindh from September 6–7. The agency is also contemplating breaking embankments to safeguard Sher Shah Bridge.
He determined that Indian dams are entirely full, whereas officials here have displaced 900,000 individuals.
Sindh in Alert: Guddu Barrage Water Levels Increase.
In Kashmore, the Indus River is likewise swelling. At the Guddu Barrage, water inflow has been noted at 360,777 cusecs and outflow at 345,373 cusecs, indicating a significant rise of 42,548 cusecs over the past 24 hours, as confirmed by the control room.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Struck by Heavy Rainfall.
In Jamrud (Khyber District), heavy rainfall caused destruction, leading to the collapse of roofs and walls in several regions, such as Wazir Dhand, Malaguri, and Ghundi. In Wazir Dhand, the collapse of a room’s roof resulted in one death and two injuries. Water also flooded homes, sweeping away a poultry farm in Malaguri. Rescue teams are conducting efforts to remove water and support the impacted families.
The NDMA has reported that the discharge at Budhani Nallah in Peshawar’s Darmangi region has increased to 16,142 cusecs, threatening low-lying locations such as Warsak Road, Darmangi, and Regi Larma with potential flooding. Residents are urged to stay away from power poles, flooded streets, and city drainage systems.
Assistance Initiatives in Progress.
Authorities reported that more than 900,000 individuals have been relocated to secure areas in Punjab. The NDMA sent eight trucks filled with food rations to Chiniot, and supplies have also been delivered to Narowal, Sialkot, Hafizabad, and Wazirabad. Efforts for relief in Jhang are also underway.
A representative stated that the 46kg ration bag contains 22 vital food products. “The official mentioned that, following the prime minister’s directives, NDMA is entirely dedicated to rehabilitation initiatives alongside provincial authorities.”
