Pakistan

River flows decrease in Punjab, no more rains forecast: PDMA

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has reported a significant reduction in the flow of major rivers, easing fears of further flooding in the province.

Officials confirmed that the monsoon rains have reduced in intensity, with no further heavy downpours expected in the coming days. 

Pakistan Army intensifies flood relief operations in Punjab

The Pakistan Army, in coordination with civil administration and Rangers, has intensified relief operations in flood-hit areas of Punjab, working around the clock to support affected communities.

Relief operations are ongoing in Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib, where Army and Rangers personnel are actively distributing ration packs, relief materials, and other essential supplies to flood victims.

Free medical camps have also been set up, offering healthcare assistance to those affected by the disaster.

Public response

Flood-affected residents have expressed deep gratitude and respect for the services of the Pakistan Army, acknowledging their unwavering presence in this hour of trial.

Officials emphasized that the Army stands firmly by its people and will continue to support the nation until the crisis is overcome.

Decrease in river flows

According to PDMA, the flow of rivers across Punjab has dropped noticeably. The rains have also subsided in the upper catchment areas, which previously contributed to rising water levels.

At Ganda Singhwala, the water flow in the Sutlej River is recorded at 182,000 cusecs. In the Chenab River, the flow has increased to 50,000 cusecs at Marala, 92,000 cusecs at Khanki Headworks, and 94,000 cusecs at Head Qadirabad.

At Head Trimmu, the water level stands at 178,000 cusecs but is showing a downward trend. However, at Panjnad, the water flow has reached 660,000 cusecs and continues to rise. The Ravi River at Head Sidhnai is also showing a decline in water levels, while the water flow at Jassar has reached 23,000 cusecs.

Flood impact across Punjab

The PDMA report revealed that more than 4,500 villages were affected by floods across the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers.

  • 2,315 places were impacted along the Chenab River.
  • 666 locations were affected by the Sutlej floods.
  • 1,495 places were hit by floods from the Ravi River.

In total, around 4.287 million people have been affected. Of these, 2.262 million people were shifted to safer locations by relief teams.

Relief and rescue operations

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed confirmed that 396 relief camps have been set up in flood-hit districts. Alongside these, 490 medical camps and 412 veterinary camps have been established to assist both residents and livestock.

So far, 1.696 million animals have been safely relocated.

Dam levels in Pakistan and India

Water storage levels remain high in both Pakistani and Indian dams:

  • Mangla Dam is 90% full while Tarbela Dam has reached 100% capacity.
  • Across the border, India’s Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej is 90% full, Pong Dam is at 99%, and Thein Dam is at 97% capacity.

Human losses, govt response

The floods have claimed 79 civilian lives in various accidents across Punjab. Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed assured that affected citizens will be compensated for their losses as part of the government’s rehabilitation program.

Meanwhile, Multan’s tehsils Jalalpur and Alipur are reeling under devastating floods as the Chenab River’s flow surged to 668,000 cusecs at Head Panjnad, wiping out entire settlements and displacing millions.

Authorities report that nearly 80% of Alipur Tehsil has been submerged, altering the map of the region and destroying crops across hundreds of acres.

The rising floodwaters have devastated dozens of settlements in Alipur, leaving millions homeless. Local reports confirm that several villages have been completely wiped out, while residents continue to struggle for survival. Rescue teams say many families are trapped in waterlogged areas, desperately awaiting evacuation.

In Multan, the flood situation shows slight improvement as the water level at Head Muhammad Wala dropped from 413.60 to 412.90 feet. The main road has been reopened for traffic, though authorities remain on alert for further risks.

Jalalpur Pirwala: Dam breach to save city

In Jalalpur Pirwala Tehsil, officials deliberately breached Gilani Dam to prevent wider destruction. Water has been diverted towards Bahadurpur North, Bahadurpur South, Long, Sabira, and Kanhan, all of which now face imminent submergence. Residents have been urged to evacuate immediately.

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb reviewed the filling of a crack near Basti Baharan, directing workers to complete reinforcement efforts without delay.

Another rescue boat capsizes in Jalalpur Pirwala; at least 9 dead

A second boat accident within a few hours in Jalalpur Pirwala tehsil’s Mohana Sandila area claimed at least nine lives, including a child, after it capsized on Wednesday night. Rescue operations are ongoing to recover the remaining victims.

 

Two boats overturn within hours

According to police, the private boat carrying flood-hit families sank in Mohana Sandila after 28 passengers boarded it. Another boat had capsized in the same area a few hours earlier.

Police confirmed that 19 people were rescued immediately by locals in the latest accident, while eight passengers went missing in the accident. They said the flood victims were on their way to the city on private boats after not getting any official rescue assistance.

Bodies recovered so far

Rescue officials said that two bodies were pulled out on Thursday morning, raising the toll to three recovered so far, including that of a four-year-old child, Salman. His body was shifted to a nearby hospital.

According to the surviving boatman, nine people drowned in the accident, while others were saved by villagers before official rescue teams could reach.

Boatman’s statement

A video statement from the boatman has surfaced, revealing that passengers had paid Rs2,000 each for the ride. The vessel sank when it reached Mohana Sandila, and no rescue teams arrived in time. He said the victims were flood-affected families seeking safety.

Rescue operation underway

 

Police and rescue officials confirmed that operations are ongoing to search for the remaining missing passengers. Locals have been actively participating in the efforts, as official rescue services initially faced delays reaching the site.

On Wednesday evening, a boat carrying 20 people had capsized during a rescue operation on Khanbela Road. According to officials, a 20-day-old baby girl lost her life in the accident. Rescue 1122 personnel managed to recover the infant from the water and shifted her to a hospital, but she could not survive.

The remaining 19 passengers on board were successfully rescued, authorities confirmed.

Other boat accidents during rescue

On the other hand, a boat carrying flood victims had also capsized in Darabpur village, Alipur, on Wednesday evening. According to rescue officials, the boat lost balance when an additional person tried to climb on. Thankfully, all passengers survived without injuries.

In Ahmedpur East, a private boat capsized near Bhakri, leaving four people drowned. According to rescue officials, all four managed to come out of the water on their own. The capsized boat was also pulled safely from the water.

Separately, a boat had capsized during a rescue operation in Noorwala village, Liaquatpur three days ago. The bodies of three missing people, including two women, were recovered, raising the death toll from the accident to eight.

Police confirmed that among those recovered were Zakia Bibi, Rafia Bibi, and Muhammad Hassan. Of the four people reported missing in the Noorwala accident three days ago, three have now been found.

So far, the number of people who have lost their lives in recent flood-related boat accidents has risen to ten. Search operations are still underway to locate Halima Bibi, who went missing in the floodwaters, and Faraz, who jumped in to save children during the tragedy.

Jalalpur Pirwala battered by floods as Head Panjnad flow rises alarmingly

Multan’s Tehsils Jalalpur and Alipur are reeling under devastating floods as the Chenab River’s flow surged to 668,000 cusecs at Head Panjnad, wiping out entire settlements and displacing millions.

Authorities report that nearly 80% of Alipur Tehsil has been submerged, altering the map of the region and destroying crops across hundreds of acres.

The rising floodwaters have devastated dozens of settlements in Alipur, leaving millions homeless. Local reports confirm that several villages have been completely wiped out, while residents continue to struggle for survival. Rescue teams say many families are trapped in waterlogged areas, desperately awaiting evacuation.

In Multan, the flood situation shows slight improvement as the water level at Head Muhammad Wala dropped from 413.60 to 412.90 feet. The main road has been reopened for traffic, though authorities remain on alert for further risks.

Jalalpur Pirwala: dam breach to save city

In Jalalpur Pirwala Tehsil, officials deliberately breached Gilani Dam to prevent wider destruction. Water has been diverted towards Bahadurpur North, Bahadurpur South, Long, Sabira, and Kanhan, all of which now face imminent submergence. Residents have been urged to evacuate immediately.

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb reviewed the filling of a crack near Basti Baharan, directing workers to complete reinforcement efforts without delay.

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