Sindh on high alert as floods ravage several areas in Central and Southern Punjab 

Lahore/Multan/Sukkur (Web Desk): Central and southern Pakistan are reeling under a severe flood emergency after India unexpectedly released large volumes of water into the rivers.

The Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab have swelled beyond capacity, breaching several protective embankments, submerging dozens of villages and wiping out crops spread over hundreds of thousands of acres.

In Mandi Bahauddin, two young men drowned in the floodwaters, while rescue workers confirmed that 1,312 people had so far been shifted to safer areas through ongoing operations.

The situation worsened near Sher Shah in Shujabad where a protective dyke at Basti Gagra collapsed, creating a 200-foot breach and allowing floodwaters to inundate surrounding villages. Multan’s Basti Graywala has also been submerged as rising water levels devastated all standing crops.

The Chenab River has recorded a medium-level flood at Shorkot, with 260,000 cusecs passing under the Sultan Bahu Bridge. At Trimmu Barrage, the inflow has reached 331,000 cusecs, posing a direct threat to nearby settlements.

Meanwhile, the Indus flood surge has advanced towards Guddu, Sukkur and Kotri barrages. At Guddu, inflow was recorded at 357,196 cusecs and outflow at 337,746 cusecs, while water levels at Sukkur and Kotri continue to rise, submerging low-lying districts.

Rescue efforts are underway in Chiniot, Khanewal, Ahmedpur Sial and adjoining regions, though strong currents have made several areas inaccessible. In Chiniot’s Thatta Hashmat and Moza Dom, at least 25 residents were shifted to safer ground during relief work.

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and the irrigation department have issued high alerts for Pindi Bhattian, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, Arifwala and other vulnerable towns.

The Ravi River at Qutb Shahana is flowing with 131,500 cusecs, raising fears of further destruction.

Large swathes of farmland in southern Punjab, where cotton, sugarcane, maize and vegetables were cultivated, now lie submerged, leaving farmers in deep financial distress.

Experts have called for urgent assessment of losses and immediate compensation for affected growers.

District administrations along with provincial authorities are engaged in relief measures, urging people in low-lying areas to evacuate without delay and to contact Rescue 1122 or local emergency hotlines in case of need.