Punjab on High Alert as Chenab River Poses Major Flood Risk in Multan
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a flood warning as the Chenab River nears overflow level near Head Muhammad Wala in Multan on Tuesday night.
DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that all routes to the flood-hit area have been sealed, and the district administration is on high alert. He added that controlled breaches of embankments may be carried out if the situation worsens.
So far, nearly one million people have been evacuated in Punjab, while the flood death toll has reached 41. Authorities also warned that the Sutlej River may face high flood levels in the coming days, raising further concerns of widespread flooding.
Flood Emergency in Punjab as Sutlej and Chenab Rivers Swell, Millions Affected
The next 24 hours are being called critical for Head Sangnai, with authorities warning that if water levels rise further, Pir Mahal and Khanewal could face severe flooding.
According to DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia, more than 3,200 villages have been submerged, forcing the displacement of over 2.4 million people. In Lahore, many low-lying areas remain underwater, where drainage operations are still ongoing.
Providing official figures, Kathia said 253,000 cusecs of water is flowing through the Sutlej at Head Ganda Singh, while 124,000 cusecs are passing through Head Sulemanki. Meanwhile, the Chenab River recorded 96,000 cusecs at Head Marala, moving downstream toward South Punjab.
Relief operations are in progress, with food, clean water, and medicines being distributed to flood victims across the province.
Punjab Flood Relief Operations: Camps Set Up as Rivers Continue to Swell
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported that 395 flood relief camps and 392 medical camps have been established across Punjab’s flood-hit districts. Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed confirmed that 336 veterinary camps are also operational, with more than 78,000 livestock safely relocated.
According to official figures, the Chenab River recorded 120,000 cusecs at Khanki Headworks and 135,000 cusecs at Qadirabad. Meanwhile, the Ravi River carried 54,000 cusecs at Jasarr and 60,000 cusecs at Shahdara, while Head Baloki registered 137,000 cusecs.
Authorities are continuing large-scale relief efforts in flood-affected Punjab, aiming to provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to thousands of displaced families.
