ISLAMABAD: More than four million people have been displaced across Pakistan as relentless monsoon floods continue to inundate major rivers, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Monday.
While waters are gradually receding in some regions, authorities warn that dangerously high flows at key barrages still pose a severe threat, particularly in Punjab and Sindh.
Nearly 2.7 million people in Punjab and 1.6 million in Sindh have been relocated to safer areas, NDMA added, and cautioned that despite some receding waters, flood levels remain dangerously high in several regions, with rescue and relief operations continuing under the prime minister’s directives.
According to NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Centre, the Chenab River is experiencing high flood at Panjnad with flows of over 308,000 cusecs, while downstream areas in southern Punjab, including Multan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan, remain severely inundated.
The Indus River is also carrying extraordinary pressure: Guddu Barrage is witnessing a very high flood at 635,000 cusecs, Sukkur faces a medium flood at 538,000 cusecs, while Kotri Barrage is currently at a low flood with 278,000 cusecs but is expected to rise sharply in the coming days.
NDMA issues safety advisories
The floods, triggered by relentless monsoon rains and glacial melt, have submerged over 1.3 million acres of farmland, primarily in the Punjab province, destroying crops like rice, cotton, and sugarcane. The devastating floods are causing widespread disruption to food security, raising concerns about potential increases in food prices and the ability to meet export targets, according to the Pakistan Business Forum.
According to the Disaster Management Authority, extensive flooding triggered by record monsoon rains and rapid glacier melt has so far killed up to 1000 people.
Authorities warned residents in at-risk areas to cooperate with evacuation orders as floodwaters move downstream, with projections that Kotri Barrage could see inflows of up to 445,000 cusecs between September 24 and 26.
NDMA urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel in flood-hit regions, keep emergency kits ready, and secure vital documents.
The authority also advised displaced families to follow local administration guidelines when returning from temporary camps and encouraged the use of its Disaster Alert mobile app for real-time updates.
