Lahore/Multan (Web Desk): Following the release of more water by India into the Sutlej River, the flood situation in several districts of South Punjab has reached alarming levels.
At Head Panjnad, the water level has risen to 530,000 cusecs, while the Ministry of Water Resources has sounded a warning of very high flood threats at Harike and Ferozepur.
Indian authorities communicated the release through the High Commission, after which a red alert was declared throughout Punjab.
River embankments in Muzaffargarh, Jhang, Khanewal, Lodhran, and Bahawalpur are under heavy pressure, with the Shershah and Akbar embankments suffering critical damage. At Jawanah Bangla, the main highway has been submerged, causing a complete suspension of traffic.
In Karor Pakka, a protective dyke broke, leaving several villages under water.
In Alipur, eight people were swept away by the raging currents; two of them were saved, the body of one child was recovered, while search efforts for the others are ongoing.
At the same time, a strong wave in the Chenab River has affected Multan, Muzaffargarh, Jalalpur Pirwala, Shujaabad, Uch Sharif, and Khan Garh.
Authorities have cautioned that if the water level crosses 393.50 feet, a breach may be carried out at the Shershah embankment, which could displace over 30,000 people.
Deputy Commissioner of Multan, Waseem Hameed Sandhu, confirmed that a flood wave of 500,000 cusecs from Head Trimmu has reached near Muhammadwala, leading to the enforcement of an emergency.
In Jalalpur Pirwala alone, 2,000 more people have been rescued during the last 24 hours, where conditions remain highly precarious.
According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), more than 2.1 million individuals have so far been shifted to safe places across Punjab, with 80,000 still taking shelter in 488 relief camps.
Nearly 1.95 million acres of farmland in South Punjab have been submerged, posing fears of large-scale economic damage.
Meanwhile, water levels at Guddu Barrage on the Indus River continue to rise, with an increase of 50,000 cusecs recorded in the past 24 hours, prompting a warning of high flood risk within the next 12 hours.
Rescue teams and local administrations are carrying out relief operations in the affected regions, while citizens are urged to move immediately to safer areas and remain in contact with authorities in case of emergencies.