Punjab rivers experiencing persistent flooding, India releases more water into Sutlej: PDMA

Lahore/Multan (Web Desk): The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has stated that rivers in the province are under continuous pressure while a severe flood situation has emerged from flooding due to heavy rains in the upper catchment areas and after India released more water into the Sutlej River submerging hundreds of villages and forcing thousands of people to evacuate to safer places.

According to reports, At Head Ganda Singh Wala, the water flow has risen to alarming levels, with a surge of 327,000 cusecs recorded.

Several low-lying areas have been completely inundated, and settlements along the riverbanks have been evacuated.

The water level in the Chenab River is also rising rapidly. In Multan’s Jalalpur Pirwala tehsil, the floods have wreaked havoc, leaving over a hundred settlements under water.

Rescue teams are shifting residents to safety using helicopters and boats. In an effort to protect the city, the administration has broken the Vehari bridge embankment, declaring the next 12 hours as extremely critical.

Floodwaters from the Sutlej are also swelling between Arifwala and Bahawalnagar. At Tibi Lal Baig, locals tried to divert the flow by cutting the road, but the surge advanced towards Bahawalnagar Road. 
In Liaqatpur, thirty-five villages have already been submerged, with continuous rainfall worsening the situation.

Near Jalalpur Pirwala, four people drowned in the floodwaters. The bodies of a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl have been recovered, while search operations continue for the other two victims. In another incident at Taranda Muhammad Panah, two women died and four children went missing when a rescue boat capsized during relief efforts.

At Khanki Headworks, a low flood was observed with 108,000 cusecs, and Qadirabad is also under a low flood situation with water discharge measuring 120,000 cusecs. Conditions intensify at Trimmu Headworks, where the river flow has surged to 416,000 cusecs, and at Panjnad, where an extremely high flood is reported with 452,000 cusecs.

A per the reports in the morning, the Ravi River at Jassar was carrying 28,000 cusecs, while Shahdara is experiencing a medium flood level at 59,000 cusecs. At Balloki Headworks, water levels have risen drastically, placing the site in an extremely high flood category with 104,000 cusecs.

Similarly, Sidhnai Headworks is experiencing a high flood, with the water flow measured at 135,000 cusecs.

Rescue teams and administrative departments are working around the clock to provide relief. 
Authorities have issued a red alert, urging citizens to move to safer areas immediately. Announcements are being made in mosques, calling on people to evacuate without delay.

The public has been advised to avoid spreading rumors, to follow the directions of local authorities, and to shift to higher ground in view of the imminent danger.