India has once again released water into the Sutlej River, worsening the flood situation in southern Punjab. The Ministry of Water Resources has issued an emergency alert to all relevant departments after receiving information from the Indian High Commission about high flood levels at Harike and Ferozepur. Officials have warned of an “extreme flood threat” at both locations, raising concerns for downstream areas in Pakistan.
In Multan Division, the situation around the Chenab River remains tense. At Shershah Barrage, water levels are holding steady, but officials say the flow may start to recede in the next 24 hours. The decision to deliberately breach the barrage has been delayed and will only be taken by a technical committee if absolutely necessary. In Jalalpur Pirwala, conditions remain dangerous, with rescue operations underway. Temporary embankments protecting the town are under increasing pressure, while relief camps have been set up for displaced families.
A second major flood wave is currently passing through Head Muhammadwala. At the same time, gauges at Graewala Chowk show water levels beginning to decline. Despite this, several low-lying settlements remain surrounded by floodwater, and residents are waiting for relief teams to reach them.
According to Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the intensity of monsoon rains has decreased, and no further rise in river flows is expected. Rainfall in the upper catchment areas has also ended, reducing the risk of additional flood surges. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that the 10th spell of the monsoon season has concluded, and no heavy rainfall is predicted in Punjab for the coming week.
Current data shows extremely high flood levels at multiple rivers: 230,000 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej, 137,000 cusecs at Sulemanki, and 475,000 cusecs at Head Panjnad. The Chenab is carrying 250,000 cusecs at Trimmu and 98,000 cusecs at both Qadirabad and Khanki. Meanwhile, the Ravi has medium to high flood flows at different points, including 80,000 cusecs at Balloki and 121,000 cusecs at Sidhnai. Authorities, under instructions from the Punjab Chief Minister, remain on high alert and are using all available resources to safeguard lives and property.