Flood devastation in Punjab: Villages submerged, Millions displaced, 7 dead

Lahore: Widespread destruction has been caused in Punjab due to severe flooding in the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers, following the release of water from India. Several villages have been submerged, with millions displaced, seven people confirmed dead, and three reported missing.

High Alert as Rivers Swell Beyond Capacity:

The River Ravi is witnessing high-level flooding at Shahdara, with a water flow of 145,160 cusecs, expected to rise to 160,000 cusecs. Although this remains below the river’s total capacity of 250,000 cusecs, authorities remain on high alert. At Jassar, the water flow has started to decrease slightly, now recorded at 152,000 cusecs.

The River Chenab has also begun to show slight signs of relief. At Head Khanki, water flow has reduced from 1.05 million cusecs to 859,000 cusecs, and at Head Qadirabad, it stands at 996,000 cusecs—still a dangerously high level.

Meanwhile, the Sutlej River is experiencing unusual and severe flooding. At Ganda Singh Wala, the river is flowing at 261,000 cusecs. Head Marala is also reporting high flood levels of 191,000 cusecs. Medium-level flooding is ongoing at Balloki and Sulemanki.

In Gujranwala Division, seven deaths have been confirmed: three in Gujrat, two in Sialkot, and one each in Narowal and Gujranwala. Additionally, three people are missing in Sambrial (Sialkot), feared swept away by the rising waters.

Several villages in Narowal have been completely submerged, destroying thousands of acres of crops. The Shakargarh–Narowal road is now underwater, and railway service through Qila Ahmadabad has been suspended due to track damage.

At Kot Nainan in Shakargarh, the Ravi River is at extreme flood levels, sweeping away roads and bridges, isolating many communities.

Widespread Damage Across the Province:

Floodwaters have reached dangerously close to the GT Road in suburban Sahiwal due to river erosion. In Wazirabad, the Palkhu Nala has overflowed, inundating several low-lying villages.

In Hafizabad’s village Sajjadah, floodwaters destroyed a key bridge, while in Gujranwala, 4–5 acres of agricultural land are submerged, forcing residents to flee on their own as rescue teams struggle to reach them.

Muzaffargarh is bracing for a major flood wave expected in the next 2–3 days, with many villages already underwater. In Bahawalnagar, cotton and rice crops have suffered extensive damage, and key connecting roads have been washed away.

In Mailsi (Vehari), a breach in a protective embankment has submerged villages and fields. In Multan’s Jalalpur Pirwala area, Sutlej floodwaters have entered residential zones, prompting ongoing rescue efforts.

Evacuations and Rescue Challenges:

Despite repeated warnings from authorities, many residents are unwilling to evacuate, reluctant to leave behind homes and livestock. Emergency response teams continue to work around the clock, but rising water levels and broken infrastructure are hindering relief operations.

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The Punjab administration remains on high alert, coordinating with local authorities, rescue services, and the army to mitigate the crisis.

With water levels remaining high and forecasts predicting more rain, authorities warn that the situation could worsen. Citizens are urged to cooperate with evacuation orders and stay away from flood-prone areas.