Southern Punjab is bracing for one of the worst flood waves in decades as the Sutlej and Chenab rivers continue to rise, forcing mass evacuations across Multan, Kasur, Bahawalnagar, and surrounding districts.

Authorities warn that more than 300,000 people could be at risk in the coming hours.

Flood threat intensifies in Multan

In Multan, officials have already shifted more than 119,000 residents to safer locations, but the looming flood wave could inundate hundreds of villages.

A controlled breach at Head Muhammad Wala has been planned to protect the city, with nearly 60% of residents already evacuated.

The National Emergency Operations Center predicts that Trimmu may see 700,000–800,000 cusecs of water by August 31, while Panjnad could face 650,000–700,000 cusecs by September 3.

Sutlej River at its worst in decades

The Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala has crossed 385,000 cusecs, the highest since 1955, leaving Kasur city vulnerable. Authorities are considering breaching embankments to save urban centers.

In Chunian, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Pakpattan, and Vehari, villages have been submerged, power supply cut off, and thousands displaced.

Chenab and Ravi swell

The Chenab River is carrying a massive wave of 855,000 cusecs downstream, with Chiniot and Trimmu Headworks facing rising flows. Meanwhile, the Ravi River has dropped at Shahdara but continues to flood Lahore’s outskirts, affecting nearby villages.

Devastation across Punjab

According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA):

1,769 villages have been submerged
1.23 million residents affected
248,000 people displaced
148,000 animals rescued
28 deaths reported so far

Rescue operations are ongoing in Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Nankana Sahib, and Rajanpur, with army, Rangers, and Rescue 1122 assisting in evacuations.

Govt response and relief

Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered relief camps across affected districts, providing food, shelter, and medical aid. Over 265 medical camps are active, while livestock and displaced families are being shifted to safer ground.

PDMA officials, however, criticized India for delayed water-release data, which worsened flood losses across Punjab.