Key points
- India issues alert outside water treaty it suspended in April
- Deadly floods kill 799 across Pakistan since June
- Pakistan also fears surge in Ravi and Chenab rivers
ISLAMABAD: Flooding from the Sutlej River has inundated several districts in Pakistan’s Punjab province after India released large volumes of water from its reservoirs following heavy monsoon rains.
The overflow has forced tens of thousands to evacuate, with widespread damage reported across the region.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed at least 799 deaths nationwide since late June due to floods and relentless rainfall.
Villages flooded
In Pakpattan, protective embankments near Basti Chakr Loka and Kund Nain Singh failed, flooding surrounding villages.
Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, and Vehari are among the worst-hit districts. Rescue operations have moved over 19,000 people and livestock to safer areas, though many remain stranded.
#Flood water near Sutlej river devastated major exportable crops like cotton, rice, maize & livestock fodders in 🇵🇰’s most productive agri regions. Rabi sowing is starting in next two months, wheat and potato crops can be delayed if water stays longer, impacting productivity. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/BHTKIW0ecR
— Aamer Hayat Bhandara (@AamerBhandara) August 25, 2023
In Bahawalnagar’s Minchinabad region, floods destroyed crops including rice, sesame, and fodder.
According to Pakistan Today, temporary embankments collapsed near Baba Farid Bridge, isolating Minchinabad city. Zafarwal saw a 500-foot breach in the Dek Drain, submerging nearby villages and prompting boat evacuations.
Water levels remain dangerously high, with the Sutlej River flowing at 133,000 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala.
Potential high floods
Officials also warned of potential high flood levels in the Chenab and Indus rivers within 24 hours, and a moderate threat along the Ravi.
Adding to tensions, India issued a flood warning outside the usual Indus Waters Treaty protocol.
Pakistan condemned the move, calling it a breach of international law that threatens regional stability.
