Rising Chenab Threatens Multan, Muzaffargarh as Floodwaters Surge; Thousands Relocated
Lahore: The flood situation in Punjab has intensified as water levels in the Chenab River continue to rise at Head Muhammadwala and Sher Shah bridges, posing serious threats to Multan and Muzaffargarh. Authorities have already relocated more than 400,000 people to safer areas, but experts warn the situation could worsen in the coming days.
Chenab Flood Levels Reach Critical Point
According to Multan Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu, floodwaters have already reached Akbar Flood Bund and Sher Shah Bridge, submerging nearby villages. He noted that the situation could deteriorate further once the Ravi River flow merges with the Chenab.
At Head Muhammadwala, the water gauge was recorded at 414 feet, dangerously close to the 417-feet threshold. Officials stated that a decision to breach embankments would depend on water flow speed and intensity.
Multan Commissioner Amir Karim Khan confirmed the level was only a few feet short of the danger mark, raising concerns for the coming days.
Experts Warn of Technical Miscalculation
Former irrigation experts have raised alarms, claiming that the critical flood level for Head Muhammadwala may have been set too high at 417 feet, based on outdated 1992 flood data. They argue that construction of the bridge has altered natural flow patterns, increasing pressure on embankments such as Nawabpur and Akbar Flood Bund.
Experts urged the government to reassess the critical threshold immediately to protect Multan from catastrophic flooding.
NDMA & PDMA Updates
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued high flood warnings for Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Burewala, Arifwala, and Bahawalnagar due to rising water levels in the Sutlej River.
PDMA Chief Irfan Ali Kathia warned that rising levels in Indian dams pose additional risks. New Delhi has already issued multiple warnings about potential water releases, which could impact the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers.
Kathia confirmed that 3.8 million people have been safely evacuated across Punjab, including large operations in Toba Tek Singh, Pir Mahal, Kabirwala, and Khanewal.
Sialkot Villages Cut Off
In Sialkot, as many as 85 villages in Bajwat remain disconnected since August 26, when over 500mm of rainfall submerged the region. A temporary Bailey bridge collapsed under flash floods, leaving residents without reliable access.
Electricity supply has been cut off for more than a week, while shortages of essentials persist. Local authorities said efforts are underway, but uneven terrain prevents the use of boats for relief access.
Flash Floods in Gilgit-Baltistan
In Gilgit-Baltistan’s Deral Valley, heavy rains triggered flash floods that damaged at least 20 houses, five of which were completely destroyed. Farmlands and trees were also swept away. Officials credited timely warnings from villagers for saving lives.
More Rain Forecast
According to the Meteorological Department, another monsoon spell from September 6 to 9 will bring rain across the country.
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Punjab: Heavy rainfall expected in Sialkot, Multan, and Khanewal.
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Balochistan: Thunderstorms and showers likely from Sept 7–9.
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Kashmir & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Rain with isolated heavy falls expected between Sept 6–9.
