Sutlej River braces for rising floodwater this week

Pakistan – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) -The flood situation in Punjab is getting worse as water levels continue to rise in major rivers. Authorities have warned of very high floods in Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab by September 5.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have placed all departments on high alert as water flows surge at multiple headworks.

According to Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed, there is a risk of an unusual rise in river water flow due to continuous rains in the upper regions. On the Punjab Chief Minister’s instructions, all related departments are fully prepared to handle the situation.

Punjab Rivers Under Extreme Pressure

PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia said the next few hours are critical at Head Sidhnai, where water flow has reached 137,000 cusecs, putting the dam at risk of breaching. The upstream flow from Head Balloki is currently 150,000 cusecs.

He warned that a large flood wave from Chenab is moving toward South Punjab. If Head Sidhnai breaches, the flood will travel toward Head Muhammad Wala, creating major challenges.

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At Head Trimmu, an extremely high flood is ongoing with water flows over 516,000 cusecs. The Chenab River continues to swell at Qadirabad (135,000 cusecs), Khanki (120,000 cusecs), and Marala (96,000 cusecs).

The Sutlej River is also in high flood. At Ganda Singhwala, the water level is 253,000 cusecs, while Sulemanki has reached 124,000 cusecs. The Ravi River is rising with 54,000 cusecs at Jassar and 60,000 cusecs at Shahdara.

Kathia added that around 600,000 cusecs of floodwater will reach Alipur by September 5, and from September 6 to 7, floodwaters may enter Sindh. Authorities are considering breaching embankments to protect Sher Shah Bridge.

He further said Indian dams are 100% full, and 900,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas.

Sindh on Alert as Guddu Barrage Water Rises

In Kashmore, the Indus River is also rising. At Guddu Barrage, water inflow is 360,777 cusecs and outflow is 345,373 cusecs, marking a sharp increase of 42,548 cusecs in 24 hours, according to the control room.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hit by Heavy Rains

In Jamrud (Khyber District), heavy rains caused house collapses in areas like Wazir Dhand, Malaguri, and Ghundi. One person died and two were injured when a roof caved in at Wazir Dhand. Water entered several homes, and a poultry farm was washed away in Malaguri.

NDMA confirmed that water discharge at Budhani Nallah in Peshawar’s Darmangi area surged to 16,142 cusecs, putting low-lying areas like Warsak Road, Darmangi, and Regi Larma at risk. Residents are warned to avoid electric poles, submerged roads, and urban drains.

Relief Efforts Continue

Officials said more than 900,000 people have been moved to safe areas in Punjab. NDMA has sent eight trucks of food supplies to Chiniot, with more aid going to Narowal, Sialkot, Hafizabad, and Wazirabad. Relief work for Jhang is also underway.

Each 46-kg ration bag contains 22 essential food items. NDMA confirmed it is fully committed to rehabilitation and relief efforts in coordination with provincial agencies.