Published on: September 11, 2025 4:57 PM
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab has reported a noticeable decline in river flows across the province. This development has provided some relief following weeks of severe monsoon-related flooding. However, authorities remain concerned as the water flow at Head Panjnad has reached a dangerously high 660,000 cusecs — and continues to rise.
According to PDMA, rainfall in both Punjab and the upper catchment areas has subsided, with no more heavy downpours forecasted. As a result, major rivers like Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab are seeing reduced water levels. For instance, Sutlej’s flow at Ganda Singhwala stands at 182,000 cusecs, while the Ravi River at Head Sidhnai is also showing a downward trend. Yet, areas near Panjnad and parts of Chenab River remain under high alert due to rising levels.
Despite some stabilization, the floods have already left a devastating mark. Over 4,500 villages have been affected across the province — 2,315 along the Chenab, 1,495 near the Ravi, and 666 along the Sutlej. An estimated 4.287 million people have been impacted so far, with 2.262 million relocated to safer areas through government relief efforts.
Relief operations are ongoing. Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed reported the setup of 396 relief camps, along with 490 medical and 412 veterinary units. Nearly 1.7 million animals have been evacuated from flood-hit zones. However, the human toll remains severe — at least 79 lives have been lost, and widespread damage has destroyed homes, crops, and livelihoods.
Multan’s tehsils of Jalalpur and Alipur have been hit especially hard. Head Panjnad’s flow surged to 668,000 cusecs, submerging nearly 80% of Alipur and wiping out entire settlements. In Jalalpur Pirwala, officials deliberately breached the Gilani Dam to protect the city, diverting water toward surrounding villages now facing imminent flooding. Rescue teams are struggling to reach trapped families, while senior officials continue to oversee emergency responses.
