Danger Looms for Multan as Chenab River Levels Rise

The situation is getting critical in Punjab as the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high-risk warning for the River Chenab near Head Muhammad Wala in Multan. Authorities are on high alert as the river is at risk of overflowing tonight, Tuesday.

According to DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia, all access routes to the area have been sealed, and the district administration is prepared to carry out "controlled breaches of embankments" if necessary.

Here’s a quick look at the current situation:

• Evacuations: Close to one million residents have been evacuated across Punjab so far.

• Casualties: The tragic death toll from the floods has climbed to 41.

• Affected Villages: More than 3,200 villages have been submerged, displacing 2.4 million people.

• Relief Efforts: A massive relief operation is in progress, with 395 relief camps and 392 medical camps established. Over 78,000 animals have also been moved to safety in 336 veterinary camps.

The threat isn’t limited to the Chenab. The Sutlej River is also expected to reach high flood levels in the coming days.

Kathia warned that the next 24 hours are critical for Head Sangnai. If the situation worsens, areas like Pir Mahal and Khanewal could also face severe flooding.

Here are the latest water flow figures (in cusecs):

• Sutlej:

  • Head Ganda Singh: 253,000

  • Head Sulemanki: 124,000

• Chenab:

  • Head Marala: 96,000

  • Khanki Headworks: 120,000

  • Qadirabad: 135,000

• Ravi:

  • Head Baloki: 137,000

  • Jasarr: 54,000

  • Shahdara: 60,000

Relief supplies, including food and medicine, are being distributed in camps across the province. For real-time updates and assistance, residents are advised to contact their local authorities and the PDMA helpline.