Pakistan Braces for New Flood Peaks as Punjab Drowns

Pakistan is battling a worsening flood crisis as authorities forecast fresh peaks on the Chenab and Indus rivers. Punjab reels under devastating monsoon damage, while Sindh braces for possible urban flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad, and other cities.

Punjab Hit Hard by Floods

Punjab, the country’s agricultural heartland, has been the worst affected. Officials confirmed 49 deaths in the ongoing Ravi–Sutlej–Chenab flood spell. The seasonal toll since mid-June has now climbed to 183 in Punjab alone.

Nationwide, 884 lives have been lost since the start of the monsoon on June 26, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed said nearly 3.9 million people have been affected across the province. Over 3,900 villages are submerged, displacing farming communities and disrupting daily life.

Mass Evacuations Underway

Authorities have relocated more than 1.8 million people to safer places. Relief operations include 415 shelters and 466 medical camps. Another 398 veterinary camps were set up, with 1.34 million animals moved to higher ground.

Punjab PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia assured that civil administration, the army, and other agencies remain on alert. He directed officials to prioritize the protection of human lives and property.

Army Joins Relief Efforts

The military has taken a frontline role in flood-hit southern Punjab. Districts such as Sahiwal, Khanewal, Muzaffargarh, Toba Tek Singh, and Chiniot are among the worst impacted.

In Sahiwal, at least 30 relief camps were established after 49 villages along the Ravi were swamped. The army said its teams are evacuating thousands from Talamba, Mian Channu, and Abdul Hakeem in Khanewal district.

In Muzaffargarh, troops moved residents to safety after floodwaters breached protective structures.

Read: Flood Threat Intensifies as Monsoon Rains Batter Pakistan

New Warnings from Authorities

The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) warned of “exceptionally high” flood levels in the Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala, a border point opposite India’s Ferozepur. The Ravi at Balloki and Sidhnai and the Chenab at Chiniot also remain at “very high” levels.

Within 24 hours, the Chenab at Panjnad is expected to reach “high to very high” flood levels. Flash floods may strike DG Khan and Rajanpur between September 7 and 9.

The Indus River at Guddu is projected to rise to “high to very high” flood from September 7 to 8. Urban flooding is also feared in Sindh’s major cities, including Karachi and Hyderabad, during the same period.

Indian Water Releases Raise Alarm

Pakistan received an advisory from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad about high flood levels in the Sutlej at Harike and Ferozepur headworks.

Officials fear excess water releases could worsen conditions downstream at Ganda Singh Wala and beyond. This warning has heightened concerns in southern Punjab, where rivers are already swollen.

Food Security Concerns Emerge

Flooding has also triggered serious food security challenges. The Punjab Home Department imposed Section 144 to regulate wheat use. For the next 30 days, feed mills are banned from using wheat for animal feed.

“Wheat is a basic food for human consumption and will now only be supplied to flour mills,” the department said.

Officials revealed that feed mills currently hold over 104,000 metric tons of wheat originally meant for poultry feed. The government aims to safeguard flour supplies as 1.3 million acres of cropland remain underwater.

Dams Near Full Capacity

Hydrological reports show Tarbela Dam has reached full capacity, while Mangla Dam stands at 87 percent. On the Indian side, Bhakra is at 84 percent, Pong at 98 percent, and Thein at 92 percent.

These nearly full reservoirs pose another risk. Controlled releases may become necessary, increasing the threat of downstream flooding in both countries.

Relief Efforts Continue

Despite the grim outlook, authorities stress that large-scale rescue and relief operations are underway. Civil agencies, the military, and humanitarian groups are working together to relocate people, provide medical aid, and protect livestock.

Still, the crisis continues to test Pakistan’s preparedness. With water levels forecast to rise further, the coming days will determine how effectively authorities can shield millions at risk in Punjab and Sindh.