Flood threat persists in Multan, as 46 killed, 3.8m affected across Punjab

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned of a critical flood threat at Sher Shah Bridge in Multan, where the danger level has already been crossed. Authorities fear that if the bridge has to be breached, as many as 35 villages could be inundated.

Meanwhile, the flood crisis across Punjab has already affected 3.875 million people, killed 46, and displaced millions more.

Warning from India, rising water levels

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia told reporters in Lahore that a warning from India about Harike and promptly shared with all relevant administrations.

He said that water from the Chenab and Ravi rivers is now flowing toward Multan district. Villages in Mandi Bahauddin and Jhang also face looming flood risks.

Sher Shah Bridge at critical risk

According to Kathia, the gauge level at Sher Shah Bridge has crossed the danger threshold. “May God not make us breach the bridge and let the water pass naturally. But in case of breaching, up to 24–35 villages could be affected,” he warned.

The vulnerable areas include Sher Shah, Akbar Pul, and Mirzapur, among others.

Situation at Head Muhammad Wala and Ravi

The PDMA DG assured that the situation at Head Muhammad Wala in Multan is under control, with technical experts stationed there to monitor developments. The water level of Head Marala in the Chenab is decreasing, he added. 

However, the situation at Head Sidhnai on the Ravi River is concerning, as there has been a decrease of only 130,000 to 135,000 cusecs. Around 100,000 cusecs of water near Shahdara are moving downstream to merge with the Chenab. Officials warned that a backwater effect could worsen the flooding if the Safooran Dam is operated.

Human toll and relief operations

Floods in Punjab have so far claimed 46 lives, while more than 3.875 million people have been affected, according to Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed.

• 1.8 million people trapped in floodwaters have been rescued and shifted to safer places
• Over 3,951 villages have been affected
• 410 relief camps and 444 medical camps are operational in affected districts
• 395 veterinary clinics have been set up for livestock care
• Nearly 1.322 million animals have been rescued and relocated

The army and rescue teams remain engaged in continuous relief operations.

Dam levels and rain forecast

Punjab’s Relief Commissioner confirmed that:

• Mangla Dam is 87% full
• Tarbela Dam has reached 100% capacity
• On the Indian side, Bhakra Dam is 84% full, Pong Dam 98%, and Thein Dam 92%

He added that monsoon rains were recorded in most Punjab districts over the past 24 hours, with fresh spells forecast for the next 24 hours.

Compensation, governance

Relief Commissioner Javed assured that, on the instructions of the Punjab Chief Minister, losses of citizens will be compensated. Special attention will be given to farmers, with damage assessments already underway to ensure timely financial assistance.