KEY POINTS
- Floods kill over 44 in Punjab, affect millions across Punjab and Sindh
- NDMA warns of new rain system entering Sindh from September 6
- Heavy rains forecast for Thatta, Sujawal, Mirpurkhas & Badin
- PDMA issues high alerts for Sutlej and Chenab rivers amid rising water levels
ISLAMABAD: A massive wave of floodwater released from India swept into Pakistan on Wednesday, inundating large swathes of Punjab province already battered by monsoon rains, leaving millions at risk of further devastation as authorities issued high alerts along the Sutlej and Chenab rivers.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued high alerts for the Sutlej and Chenab rivers, warning people to stay prepared.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of a new rain system entering Sindh from September 6.
Thatta, Sujawal, Mirpurkhas, and Badin districts of Sindh province may receive heavy rain until September 10, increasing the risk of more flooding.
India had informed Pakistan ahead of time about the rising water levels. At Head Marala, the water flow surged past 538,000 cusecs, a huge amount rushing through the river.
This sudden increase put even more pressure on downstream areas, raising fears of more flooding ahead.
Flooding is already affecting many areas in Punjab. In Multan, flood barriers are reaching dangerous levels. Eight areas in Shujaabad are underwater.
In Kabirwala, a protective embankment was blown up to stop further damage, but nearby villages were flooded.
In Muzaffargarh, the Chenab River has flooded 24 villages, and 139 more are at risk. In Sahiwal, over 70 villages have been flooded, destroying crops and affecting farmers badly.
In Okara, rescue teams are moving people away from rising Ravi River waters. Dozens of villages in Shakargarh and Sharaqpur are facing damage due to erosion and floods.
In Bahawalpur, Lodhran, and Chishtian, embankments have collapsed due to the overflowing Sutlej River, flooding entire communities.
Heavy losses reported
More than 100,000 acres of crops have been destroyed, livestock has drowned, and thousands of families have lost their homes. The stagnant water is raising fears of disease outbreaks.
According to Punjab Authorities, so far, 44 people have died due to flooding, and over 3.3 million have been affected. Around 1.29 million people have been moved to safer places in various districts of Punjab.
Authorities have set up 405 relief camps, 425 medical camps, and 385 animal care centres. Nearly 800,000 animals have also been rescued.
More rain expected in Sindh
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of a new rain system entering Sindh from September 6. Thatta, Sujawal, Mirpurkhas, and Badin districts may receive heavy rain until September 10, increasing the risk of more flooding.
Dams near full capacity
Pakistan’s Mangla Dam is 83% full and Tarbela Dam is at full capacity. In India, Bhakra, Pong, and Thein Dams are also nearly full, adding to concerns about more water being released.
Flood rescue efforts
The Pakistan Army is leading rescue and relief operations. Soldiers have evacuated hundreds of people and animals in areas like Jhang, Chiniot, and Hasuwali.
Relief camps have been set up to provide food, medicine, and shelter. Many affected people have thanked the Army for its quick response.
