India releases more water into Sutlej, efforts under way to protect Multan

LAHORE: India has once again released water into the Sutlej River, prompting a high flood alert in Punjab, while heavy rains and flooding continue to wreak havoc across Punjab.

Authorities said that the second flood wave in the Chenab River is moving towards Head Muhammad Wala in Multan.

Authorities said that over 400 people were rescued from various locations across Multan’s Jalalpur Pirwala tehsil since 6am.

Preparations have been made to breach the Shershah embankment to save the city. Faisalabad witnessed its heaviest rainfall in 30 years, while Lahore also experienced torrential downpours.

According to the authorities, the Indian High Commissioner issued a high flood alert for the Sutlej, warning of heavy flooding at Harike and Ferozepur.

The alert was sent to Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources at 8 am, which then notified the relevant departments, officials said.

Meanwhile, flooding has devastated several parts of Punjab, submerging hundreds of homes, villages, and crops.

Tuesday weather report: widespread rain, thunderstorms predicted across Pakistan

In Multan, nearby settlements along the Chenab River are already inundated with 5 to 10 feet of water.

In Kabirwala tehsil of Khanewal, high-level flooding in both Ravi and Chenab rivers has destroyed thousands of wheat sacks.

30-year rainfall record broken in Faisalabad

Relentless rain in Punjab has broken a 30-year record in Faisalabad, where Ghulam Muhammadabad received 184 mm, Allama Iqbal Colony 175 mm, Gulistan Colony 170 mm, Jail Road and adjoining areas 167 mm, and Dogar Basti and Madina Town 154 mm.

Low-lying areas were submerged, forcing people to move to rooftops or safer places.

Rising water levels at Guddu Barrage

A severe flood threat looms in the Indus River as water levels continue to rise at Guddu Barrage, putting Kashmore’s katcha (riverine) areas at risk.

Flood control authorities said that in 24 hours, inflows at Guddu rose to 443,494 cusecs, while outflows stood at 434,294 cusecs.

Rising waters have forced large-scale displacement from katcha areas in Kashmore and Kot Mithan, while access routes have been cut off. The water level at Sukkur is also increasing, prompting more evacuations.

224,000 people at risk in Sindh

Sindh’s PDMA warned that flooding may impact 200 villages and up to 224,000 people. The flood wave from Punjab will move through Guddu and Sukkur before reaching Sehwan, where a major flood warning has been issued for katcha areas.

In Sukkur and surrounding regions, protective embankments along canals have weakened due to heavy rains.

Breaches were reported at three points along Korai Wah and Mahesro Wah near Pano Akil, submerging hundreds of acres of crops.

Bilawal, CM Sindh visit Guddu Barrage

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited Guddu Barrage, where the flood wave from Punjab’s eastern rivers is expected to arrive after passing through Panjnad.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is also scheduled to visit the barrage after touring flood-hit areas in Punjab, where he will be briefed on the situation.