Fresh Alerts: Sutlej and Chenab Rivers Swell as Flood Risk Rises in Punjab

Rising Flood Threat in Punjab Rivers

Authorities in Pakistan have issued fresh alerts as Sutlej and Chenab swell further, creating a serious risk of flooding in Punjab. The sudden water release from India, without prior notice, has increased water levels in both rivers and raised concerns about massive destruction in nearby districts.

Officials confirmed that India bypassed the agreed Indus Waters Treaty communication system and only informed Pakistan after releasing water through its High Commission. This sudden action has worsened the situation in many vulnerable areas.

Sutlej River Reaches Dangerous Levels

The Sutlej River is flowing at an extraordinary rate of over 253,000 cusecs. Experts warn that with more rainfall in upper regions, the flow may rise to 300,000 cusecs. The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has already issued warnings for nine districts, including:

• Kasur
• Okara
• Pakpattan
• Bahawalnagar
• Vehari
• Lodhran
• Bahawalpur
• Multan
• Muzaffargarh

Farmers are especially worried as thousands of acres of crops like rice, maize, sesame, and cotton are already under floodwater.

Chenab River Flow May Rise Sharply

At Marala, the Chenab River currently has a moderate flow, but authorities expect a sharp rise soon due to heavy rains in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir and additional water releases from dams. The PDMA confirmed that water released from Salal, Nangal, and Harike barrages could hit Head Marala in two days.

In Jhang, floodwaters at Trimmu Headworks have already submerged several villages and cut off important roads, damaging over 500 roads and 60 bridges in Punjab.

Flood Situation in the Ravi River

While the Ravi River is flowing normally at some points, sudden water release and heavy rainfall could push levels dangerously high. Near Renala Khurd, villages have already been cut off. In Khanewal, floodwaters have destroyed crops and forced residents to evacuate their homes.

Widespread Damage and Rescue Operations

Punjab’s Information Minister described the flood situation as “extraordinary” and blamed India’s sudden water release for adding to monsoon flooding. Thousands of people have been evacuated using boats, drones, and thermal imaging technology.

So far, more than 3,100 villages and 2,900 settlements have been flooded, affecting over 2.4 million people. At least 41 lives have been lost, while livestock and homes are under severe threat. Rescue agencies have evacuated more than 900,000 people along with 600,000 animals.

Meteorological Warnings for More Rains

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rains until September 3. It predicts further flooding in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir. Low-lying areas of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Narowal are especially at risk of urban flooding.

Hilly regions like Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir face the danger of landslides and mudslides, which could block major roads and isolate communities. Travelers and tourists are strongly advised to avoid risky areas.

Floods Disrupt Daily Life

The rising waters have not only displaced families but also affected cultural traditions. At Kasur’s Ganda Singh border, the daily flag-lowering ceremony between Pakistan Rangers and India’s Border Security Force has been suspended for safety reasons.

Meanwhile, Sindh braces for a super flood as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warns that water flows could reach 1.3 million cusecs by September 5. Preparations are underway at Guddu and Sukkur barrages to withstand the pressure.

Conclusion

The fresh alerts as Sutlej and Chenab swell further highlight the seriousness of the flood crisis. Millions of lives, farmlands, and communities are at stake. Authorities are working round the clock to minimize damage, but the situation remains critical as more rains are expected.