Flood Alert on Sutlej, Chenab Rivers as India Notifies Pakistan

Pakistan – Indian – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) -The Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan has reached out to local authorities after warnings of high floods in the Sutlej River, officials confirmed on Monday.

Punjab is preparing for one of the worst floods in years, as rivers Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rise to alarming levels.

According to the Joint Commissioner of Indus Water, massive water inflows are expected from Harike and Ferozepur into Pakistan, creating a major threat for the Sutlej River. A formal letter has been sent to Islamabad warning of serious risks in the coming days.

Pakistani authorities have officially briefed the Indian envoy. All four provincial chief secretaries and related departments have also been alerted.

At Head Trimmu, the Chenab River recorded 479,000 cusecs, which is an “extremely high flood” level. Authorities have blocked traffic at Head Trimmu as a safety measure.

PDMA officials warned the flow could rise to 700,000 cusecs by evening, endangering Jhang, Multan, and Muzaffargarh.

The flood surge has already displaced thousands of people, submerged hundreds of villages, and ruined large areas of farmland.

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Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed visited the PDMA control room to review the situation. He said the largest rescue and relief mission in Punjab’s history is underway. So far, 506 relief camps and 352 medical camps have been set up in affected areas.

“More than 17,000 people have received medical help, and over 500,000 animals have been shifted to safer places,” Javed said.

At least 33 people have lost their lives, while 8 others were injured in flood-related incidents across Punjab. More than 2 million people have been affected. Rescue 1122, PDMA, and Pakistan Army teams are carrying out mass evacuations.

Officials also confirmed that dynamite has been placed on embankments to create safety breaches if needed to divert floodwater from populated areas.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts heavy rain in the upper Sutlej and Ravi catchments between September 1 and 3. This may increase the risk of flooding. Urban flooding is also possible in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat.

Authorities said rescue operations will continue until every victim is safe. The Punjab government has promised compensation for affected families and farmers who suffer losses.