Flood Situation Worsens in Punjab as Authorities Consider Breaching Shershah Dyke
Multan and surrounding districts remain on high alert as rising waters from the Chenab and Sutlej rivers continue to threaten major urban and rural settlements.
The southern districts of Punjab, particularly Multan, face the risk of severe flooding as authorities monitor rising water levels at the Shershah dyke. Officials have indicated that a breach may become necessary if the river continues to swell beyond the critical mark of 393.5 feet. By Monday night, the level stood at 393 feet, leaving little room for error.
Evacuation Advisory Issued
Former Prime Minister and local MNA Yousaf Raza Gilani urged residents living near embankments to evacuate immediately. In a public message, he explained that water could be diverted towards Sher Shah, Gagra Kachhor, Mouza Hamar and nearby areas to reduce pressure on Multan city. Thousands of people have already been shifted to safer locations.
Meanwhile, several villages in Jalalpur Pirwala and Alipur tehsil were submerged after floodwaters entered new areas. A “backwater effect” has prevented the Chenab from flowing into the Indus, causing the water to move upstream and inundate settlements near Panjnad Headworks.
Relief and Rescue Operations
Authorities reported that so far, 63 lives have been lost, while rescue teams have made 27,000 boat trips to evacuate stranded residents. Around 4.2 million people across 26 districts have been affected, with 2.1 million already relocated to safer areas. Relief efforts include 412 relief camps and nearly 500 medical camps.
According to Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabil Javaid, villages in Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and other districts are among the worst affected.
High Alert for Sutlej River
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a high-level alert for the Sutlej River after an advisory from India warned of rising flows from upstream dams. Major reservoirs, including Tarbela (100% full), Mangla (88% full), and India’s Pong (99%) and Thein (97%), are close to capacity, raising concerns of further surges.
Rainfall Adds Pressure
In addition to riverine flooding, urban flooding has disrupted life in several cities. Lahore recorded over 100mm of rain on Monday, while Faisalabad experienced its heaviest rainfall in 30 years.
Controlled Breaches to Save Barrages
Officials confirmed controlled breaches at embankments on the Sutlej and Ravi rivers in recent days to prevent catastrophic damage to major barrages such as Sidhnai. These emergency measures have redirected water into less populated areas, though they continue to displace families.
Boat Tragedy in Rahim Yar Khan
In a tragic incident, three people drowned and several others went missing after a boat carrying 28 passengers capsized in floodwaters near Mouza Noorwala, tehsil Liaqatpur. Most of the victims were women and children. Rescue operations are ongoing.
Government Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a committee led by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to assess flood damage and prepare a comprehensive needs report within two weeks. Officials stress that timely coordination between provincial and federal authorities will be crucial in minimizing losses.
