Punjab on High Alert as River Chenab Nears Overflow, Thousands Evacuated
Multan, Punjab: Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a warning over the rising waters of the River Chenab near Head Muhammad Wala, with risks of overflow expected Tuesday night.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that access routes to the area are closed and the district administration is on high alert. “Controlled breaches of embankments may be carried out if necessary,” he said. Nearly one million residents have been evacuated across Punjab as precautionary measures.
The flood situation has so far claimed 41 lives, and more than 3,200 villages have been submerged, displacing 2.4 million people. Low-lying areas of Lahore remain flooded, with ongoing drainage efforts.
River Levels and Relief Efforts
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Sutlej River: 253,000 cusecs at Head Ganda Singh, 124,000 cusecs at Head Sulemanki
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Chenab River: 96,000 cusecs at Head Marala, 120,000 cusecs at Khanki Headworks, 135,000 cusecs at Qadirabad
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Ravi River: 54,000 cusecs at Jasarr, 60,000 cusecs at Shahdara, 137,000 cusecs at Head Baloki
PDMA has established 395 relief camps, 392 medical camps, and 336 veterinary camps, relocating over 78,000 animals to safer areas. Relief supplies including food and medicine are being distributed across affected districts.
Dams Status
Mangla Dam is at 82% capacity, while Tarbela Dam is fully filled. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has assured that affected families will receive compensation for their losses.
Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant, avoid riverbanks, and cooperate with evacuation teams as floodwaters continue to threaten southern Punjab.
