Flood risk remains critical at river convergence point

Flood emergency continues to engulf large parts of Punjab, Sindh, and threatens Balochistan, as major rivers swell to dangerous levels, triggering mass evacuations, tragic accidents, and widespread damage to life and property.

At the heart of the crisis is the Panjnad Headworks, where water discharge has surged past 668,000 cusecs, forcing thousands to flee from Alipur tehsil and surrounding areas.

Authorities warn that despite a slight recession in some rivers, the overall flood threat remains critical, particularly as downstream pressure builds toward Sindh and Balochistan.

Multiple Rivers Overflowing:

The Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers have collectively inundated over 4,500 villages and affected 4.287 million people across Punjab, according to Relief Commissioner Nabil Javaid. Over 2.26 million individuals have been evacuated, with the province setting up 396 relief camps, 490 medical centers, and 412 veterinary facilities to aid those impacted.

Tragic Incidents Amid Rescue Efforts:

Amid the chaos, rescue operations have seen their own tragedies. In Bahawalnagar, a Rescue 1122 boat carrying evacuees capsized, leaving two dead. In Jalalpur Pirwala, a similar incident resulted in five missing persons, including children. Multan reported more than 13,600 rescues in just three days, with 362,000 evacuated province-wide using 139 boats.

Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bukhari confirmed the suspension of the Jalalpur Pirwala Assistant Commissioner for negligence, following the capsizing.

Flood Situation at Key Barrages:

Panjnad Headworks: 668,845 cusecs (extremely high flood)

Guddu Barrage: 506,433 cusecs (medium flood)

Sukkur Barrage: Over 400,000 cusecs (medium flood)

Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala: 98,165 cusecs (medium flood)

Indus at Chachran Sharif: 660,000 cusecs (steady, no immediate threat)

Downstream, Sindh remains under alert as water levels remain high at Guddu and Sukkur, while officials closely monitor embankments.

Growing Pressure on Dams:

Tarbela Dam: 100% full

Mangla Dam: 90% full

India’s Bhakra and Pong Dams: 90–99% full

These levels raise concerns about increased downstream flow, especially with heavy monsoon rainfall continuing in upper catchments.

Balochistan Braces for Incoming Floodwaters:

In Nasirabad Division, Balochistan, officials are on high alert as floodwaters from Punjab are expected to arrive within days. The PDMA has set up 16 flood control centres, and rescue equipment has been deployed along the Sindh-Balochistan border, including Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, Usta Muhammad, and Sohbatpur.

At Hub Dam, water has reached 338 feet, just shy of its 339-foot capacity, and spillways may be opened soon.

Balochistan Irrigation Minister Sadiq Umrani assured that all preparations were in place and coordination with Sindh would prevent embankment breaches unless absolutely necessary.

Final Monsoon Spell:

NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik confirmed that Pakistan is in the midst of the last monsoon spell, and while floodwaters are “losing steam,” they continue to pose a major threat for the next few days.

“The rivers received two distinct waves,” he said. “One has reached Guddu Barrage, the second is now at Panjnad. Stabilization is expected in 48 to 72 hours.”

Summary of Impact:

Deaths reported: 79

Displaced people: Over 2.2 million

Affected areas: 4.5 million people across 4,500 villages

Evacuations in Multan: 25,000+

Crops damaged: Over 128,000 acres submerged

Animals relocated: 1.69 million

Authorities continue to battle rising waters with full-scale rescue and relief efforts, the situation remains volatile. With Balochistan and lower Sindh now under threat, the next few days are critical in determining the extent of this year’s flood devastation.