Divided by borders, United by tragedy: Flash floods ravage India and Pakistan

[BouncerGuy]

More than two million people evacuated from deadly floods in Pakistan

More than two million people have been evacuated in Pakistan's Punjab province as floods sweep the country's eastern region, authorities said.

Another 150,000 have been evacuated in Sindh province, national disaster management chief Inam Haider Malik told reporters on Thursday, warning that the "number may rise over the coming days".

Monsoon rains have killed more than 900 people nationwide since late June, according to an update from the International Medical Corps on Friday.

Climate change has worsened floods in Pakistan, as heavy rains cause rivers to overflow. But critics also blame the lack of government investment in disaster mitigation, such as better alert systems and infrastructure.

The floods, which have destroyed larges swathes of farms and houses, are devastating for residents in Pakistan, 40% of whom live below the poverty line.

Many families chose to stay home to protect their property despite flood risks, residents in Punjab's flood-stricken areas told the BBC last month.

Rescuers had to go door-to-door to relocate villagers and their livestock by boats - but this method also comes with risks of its own, as the small boats are forced to contend with strong currents.

Nine people died on Tuesday after a rescue boat carrying flood victims capsized in the Indus River. Days earlier, five people died in a similar incident on the outskirts of Jalalpur Pirwala city.

The floods have also wreaked havoc in neighbouring India, killing at least 30 people and affecting more than 354,000.

Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority says it has delivered tonnes of relief supplies, including blankets, tents and water filtration devices to flood-hit areas in Punjab.

Malik said it would take weeks for the water to dry before they could start "rehabilitation work" on thousands of villages and fields, Dawn reported.

This week, the UN allocated $5m to support Pakistan's flood response, while the US State Department approved funding and deployed disaster response personnel - the first assistance of its kind during Trump's second term, ABC reported.

Pakistan's geography makes it extremely vulnerable to climate change, as the country contends with both extreme heat and rain. Its melting glaciers have also created new lakes at risk of glacial outbursts.

In 2022, months of heavy rain in Pakistan killed more than 1,700 people and affected more than 30 million in what became one of the deadliest flood events in history.

Amid the latest wave of floods, Pakistani authorities this week declared a climate emergency. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also ordered officials to come up with a 300-day plan to address challenges posed by climate change.

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

The shameless regime is making fun of poor people who are already affected by the flood.
The police are doing the camera work... WOW... pathetic Maryam doing all the shenanigans for her PR.

@Bewal Express @DeadlyVenom @Bhaag Viru Bhaag Check this one

https://twitter.com/x/status/1966031657225650356

 

[BouncerGuy]

Flood threat remains severe at rivers’ confluence

Punjab is facing a relentless flood emergency as the Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers continue to swell, inundating thousands of villages and displacing millions across the province.

The situation intensified after Indian authorities issued alerts regarding rising water levels at Ganda Singh Wala and Ferozepur two days ago, prompting renewed evacuations along the Sutlej River.

Despite some areas witnessing a slight recession in water levels, the overall flood threat remains severe, with rescue and relief operations stretched across multiple districts.

At Panjnad Headworks on the Chenab River, water discharge surged to an exceptionally high level, crossing 668,000 cusecs. Between Wednesday morning and early Thursday, the flow increased by 100,000 cusecs, triggering mass evacuations in Alipur tehsil.

In a late night development, a protective dyke near the city of Shujabad collapsed for a second time, inundating communities along the river bank.

The downstream pressure has also impacted Sindh’s Guddu and Sukkur barrages, which continue to record medium flood levels with flows exceeding 400,000 cusecs.

In Rahim Yar Khan, authorities reported 660,000 cusecs passing through Chachran Sharif, though no immediate threat to localities was identified.

According to the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) data, Panjnad witnessed outflows of over 668,000 cusecs, with a steady trend, while Guddu and Sukkur barrages had a flow of over 400,000 cusecs.

On the other hand, flood levels in Punjab rivers receded further, with Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej River near the Indian border in a “medium” flood.

PDMA River Flows report released at 6:30pm revealed that on the Chenab River, Marala Headworks was steady at 68,986 cusecs, Khanki Headworks was rising at 82,411 cusecs, and Qadirabad Headworks was steady at 84,440 cusecs.

At Chiniot Bridge, the flow was rising at 57,463 cusecs, while the Rivaz Bridge gauge level was steady at 518 feet.

At Trimmu Headworks, the flow was steady at 140,007 cusecs. The Head Muhammad Wala gauge was falling at 412.38 feet, the Sher Shah Bridge level was steady at 393.20 feet and Panjnad Headworks was flowing extremely heavy at 658,845 cusecs.

On the Ravi River, conditions were steady at all locations: Jassar was reporting 19,500 cusecs, Ravi Syphon 32,120 cusecs, Shahdara 31,682 cusecs, Balloki Headworks 59,580 cusecs, and Sidhnai Headworks 75,549 cusecs.

On the Sutlej River, flows were predominantly steady: Ganda Singh Wala was at 98,165 cusecs, and Sulemanki Headworks was at 121,459 cusecs. An exception was Islam Headworks, where the flow was falling at 113,956 cusecs, while the Mailsi Syphon was steady at 120,150 cusecs.

For the Indus River upstream of Guddu, the Chachran Bridge gauge was steady at 298.25 feet, and the Guddu Barrage flow was steady at 506,433 cusecs.

Tragedies, displacement

In Bahawalnagar, two people drowned after a Rescue 1122 boat carrying 23 evacuees capsized. In Jalalpur Pirwala, another rescue boat carrying 25 people overturned, leaving five, including children, missing. In Muzaffargarh, three teenagers fell into floodwaters near Basti Jarah; one died and two were rescued.

Authorities reported thousands fleeing their homes in Seetpur, Khairpur and Bait Nabi Shah in Muzaffargarh, as well as in Jalalpur Pirwala, where 706,000 people across 148 mouzas have been affected. In Khanewal, 159,029 people were evacuated from riverbeds, while 128,658 acres of crops were submerged.

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabil Javaid said more than 4,500 villages and 4.287 million people have been affected by floods across the province, with 2.262m relocated.

He said 396 relief camps, 490 medical camps and 412 veterinary camps have been set up, while 1.696m animals have been shifted to safer areas. A total of 79 people have lost their lives in the floods, he added.

Rescue, relief efforts

Punjab Emergency Service Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer said over 13,600 people were rescued in the past three days in Multan alone, with more than 25,000 relocated. Across the province, more than 362,000 people have been evacuated using 139 rescue boats.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said four helicopters and 2,000 tents have been deployed to Jalalpur Pirwala, where relief distribution continues with army support.

Rahim Yar Khan Deputy Commissioner Khurrum Parvaiz told Dawn that water levels were rising downstream of Panjnad, prompting evacuation operations in the riverbed areas of Khanpur and Liaquatpur. He said around 12,000 people had been evacuated, six relief camps established and 1,800 tents distributed among flood-affected families.

The deputy commissioner added that all dykes in the district were intact, with 660,000 cusecs passing through Chachran Sharif, and assured there was no threat to nearby localities.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had ordered the removal of the Assistant Commissioner of Jalalpur Pirwala over negligence after a rescue boat capsized. She added that water levels at Muhammad Wala and Sher Shah bridges had fallen below critical levels, ruling out immediate breaching of dykes.

Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman visited Panjnad Headworks, where he was briefed on inflows and discharges. Officials confirmed that evacuation of low-lying areas was ongoing, with all embankments under constant monitoring.

Meanwhile, officials said Mangla Dam is 90 per cent full, Tarbela 100pc, India’s Bhakra 90pc, Pong 99pc and Thein 97pc, increasing downstream pressure.

Balochistan rains

NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik said on Thursday that Pakistan was facing the final monsoon spell of this season, adding that during the past two days, the floodwater heading south was “losing steam”, Dawn.com reported.

“The water in our rivers came in two layers,” he explained. “The first is hitting Guddu Barrage, the other is at Panjnad. Based on this information, we expect that it will stabilise in the next two to three days.”

Several areas of Balochistan have been lashed by torrential monsoon rains over the past two days, triggering flash floods and prompting the PDMA to issue an alert on Thursday. District administrations have been directed to take urgent measures to protect residents from possible devastation.

Officials said seasonal rivers and streams were already carrying heavy rainwater, with the risk of severe flooding if showers continued in the catchment areas.

At Hub Dam, water levels rose rapidly to 338 feet, just one foot short of its full capacity of 339 feet. A senior Irrigation Department official said the spillways could be opened at any time, and people living along the Hub River had been warned to move to safer locations.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan government has completed arrangements along the left bank of the Indus River in anticipation of floodwaters expected to arrive from Punjab’s Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers within the next few days.

Rescue teams, boats and heavy machinery have been deployed in the border areas of Nasirabad division, including Nasirabad, Usta Muhammad, Sohbatpur and Jaffarabad.

“For the past week, rescue staff and equipment have been positioned along the Sindh-Balochistan border,” an official said.

Balochistan Irrigation Minister Sadiq Umrani told the provincial assembly that preparations were in place to shift people from vulnerable areas to safety. He added that an understanding had been reached with the Sindh government that no embankments would be deliberately breached if water reached dangerous levels. “If over 1.1 million cusecs flow through the Indus, the chief ministers of both provinces will decide further action,” he said.

Balochistan PDMA Director General Jahanzeb Khan said 16 flood control centres had been set up across four districts of Nasirabad division, operating round the clock. Rescue and relief arrangements, including provision of essential goods, had been finalised to assist displaced families.

DAWN NEWS

 

[Ball Blazer]

New rain spell forecast from Sept 16​

As the country reels from devastating floods caused by one of the most intense monsoon seasons in recent memory, weather officials have forecast a fresh spell of rainfall from September 16 to 18. The new rains are expected to affect Azad Jammu and Kashmir, northern and central Punjab, and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Unlike the torrential downpours of August, the upcoming spell is likely to be of moderate intensity. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged local administrations to remain on high alert.

Meanwhile, officials have warned that districts including Multan, Muzaffargarh, Liaquatpur, and Rahim Yar Khan face heightened risk as India continues to release high volumes of water into downstream rivers.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), protective embankments at Basti Baharan near Multan have collapsed, while a deliberate cut was made on the Uch Sharif road to protect the city from inundation. This move, however, left surrounding villages — Mouza Jhanbo, Nooraja Bhatta, Kotla, Bahadurpur, and Sabra — badly affected.

At Sher Shah dyke, water continues to press against the barrier, though the decision to breach the dam has been delayed after the immediate flooding threat in Jalalpur Pirwala temporarily subsided.

The situation at Head Panjnad remains alarming, with a massive flood wave of 607,000 cusecs flowing through. Earlier, nearly 70 percent of Alipur was submerged, leaving widespread devastation.

In Farid Shah near Qabulah, thousands of acres of crops have been destroyed and road links cut off, forcing residents to evacuate by boat. In Lodhran's Akbar Shah area, more than 2,000 houses are underwater, with cotton, rice, maize, and sesame crops completely wiped out.

The Arifwala region is also struggling against high floods in the Sutlej River, where displaced families are sheltering in makeshift camps, waiting for relief.

Meanwhile, in Tehsil Liaquatpur Narwala (Rahim Yar Khan), river water has entered areas that had been dry for decades, creating chaos and forcing mass evacuations. Local authorities have declared the protection of lives, livestock, and property their top priority.

At Head Panjnad on the Chenab, the flood has surged past 668,000 cusecs, moving rapidly towards Simka Chachran. Despite earlier signs of relief, the water level is rising again.

Additionally, Taunsa Barrage on the Indus River is recording a discharge of around 200,000 cusecs, while Trimmu Barrage is releasing 188,000 cusecs towards Sindh.

At Ganda Singh Wala, the Sutlej River is flowing at more than 182,000 cusecs, with Indian water releases continuing for the third consecutive day, further aggravating the crisis.

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported on Thursday a decline in water flows in most rivers due to reduced monsoon rains. Rainfall in the upper catchment areas has also stopped.

According to the PDMA, the water flow in the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala was 182,000 cusecs, while at Sulemanki it stood at 124,000 cusecs. The Chenab River recorded flows of 50,000 cusecs at Marala, 92,000 cusecs at Khanki Headworks, and 94,000 cusecs at Qadirabad.

The Ravi River's flow was 23,000 cusecs at Jassar, 31,000 cusecs at Shahdara, 78,000 cusecs at Sidhnai Headworks, and 63,000 cusecs at Balloki Headworks. At Trimmu Headworks, the flow was 178,000 cusecs, while at Panjnad Headworks it stood at 660,000 cusecs.

Compared with the previous days, the flow has declined at Sidhnai and Trimmu Headworks but increased at Panjnad.

The Meteorological Department reported a significant rise in water levels at the country's major reservoirs.

Tarbela Dam has reached its maximum capacity of 1,550 feet, while Rawal Dam stands at 1,751.80 feet - almost at its full capacity of 1,752 feet.

Mangla Dam is 92 per cent full at 1,234.60 feet, and Simli Dam has reached its maximum storage of 2,315.25 feet. In response, spillways of all major dams have been opened to release excess water and protect infrastructure.

Sindh situation

The floodwaters that wreaked havoc in Punjab, have now entered the Indus River, causing a rapid increase in water levels at the Guddu and Sukkur barrages.

According to irrigation official on Thursday, over the past 24 hours, the water levels at both barrages have risen by thousands of cusecs.

According to the latest data, the inflow at the Guddu Barrage stands at 502,861 cusecs, while the outflow is 407,970 cusecs.

At the Sukkur Barrage, the inflow is 440,985 cusecs, and the outflow is 412,735 cusecs. The Kotri Barrage has an inflow of 257,754 cusecs and an outflow of 254,354 cusecs.

The rising water levels in the Indus River have inundated several areas in the kachha (riverine) region, with floodwaters entering numerous villages.

New rain spell forecast from Sept 16 | The Express Tribune

Floodwaters enter Sindh, raise water level in barrages

tribune.com.pk

 

[BouncerGuy]

Larkana under flood threat, Indus banks’ dwellers must move to safe places immediately: district admin

The district administration of Larkana on Friday afternoon issued an alert for the general public warning that there is a possibility of 700,000 cusecs or even heavier flood peak reaching Guddu Barrage within the next 24 hours.

It said all those living along the riverbanks and within the katcha (riverine) and low-lying areas must move to safe places “as soon as possible”.

In case of any emergency or for assistance, people may contact the provincial control room by dialing 021-99222967, 021-99222902, 021-99222758, 021-99222759, Larkana office at 074-9410243, PDMA at 1736 or Rescue services at 1122.

Meanwhile, MPA Mir Nadir Magsi, who has been inspecting flood protective dykes between Guddu Barrage and all vulnerable areas for many days, has said such visits by ministers, lawmakers and relevant officials were necessitated to ensure people’s safety.

Around 700,000-cusec flood peak likely to reach Guddu today, warn officials; MPA Nadir Magsi says situation at Larkana-Khairpur, Dadu-Moro and Amri-Sehwan bridges is ‘not good’

Punjab has suffered massive destruction by rains and floods in recent weeks, and now flood water is about to reach Sindh, he said.

Speaking to Dawn at the Ruk Loop Bund in Shikarpur district on Friday, MPA Magsi said that last time, when the Tori dyke was washed away in flood, Sindh had submerged. “I have already visited Tori, KK, Ruk and Moria Loop bunds to inspect their strength. Strengthening work there is under way,” he said. At Ruk bund, a T-spur has recently been constructed under the Sindh Flood Reconstruction Project.

The lawmaker said that at KK (Kandhkot-Kashmore) bund, particularly at its 18-Mile point, water volume is huge. “Since it is shaped like an island and its riverbed is narrow, the pressure on the bund and noise of water flow are very high, which had caused concern,” he said.

He said that stone-dumping work there was under way. Currently, the water level at these dykes is rising.

“Floodwater causes more damage in the receding than rising phase, he believed, and prayed that such a situation should not occur.

According to him, the flood pressure in the Indus at the moment is on its right bank — between Guddu and Naushahro Feroze — where the chief engineer has carried out perfect work.

Situation grim

Nadir Magsi observed that the situation at the Larkana-Khairpur, Dadu-Moro, and Amri-Sehwan bridges “is not good”. But the water reduces by the time it reaches here, he said alluding to past experiences. “Larkana is under threat from the Larkana-Khairpur Bridge, where the riverbed is wide but the bridge itself is narrow.

He recalled that since 2010, he had been telling the authorities concerned that this bridge should either be widened or gates should be installed at it to reduce water pressure. “If the water pressure increased, everything will be destroyed,” he warned, arguing that the lower areas are within the river’s course and they would also be hit badly.

MPA Magsi said that the Abad Loop Bund had eroded last time but strengthening work had now been carried out there. “However, in my view, it remains the ‘most sensitive’ dyke. He added that water entering Sindh comes from, besides Chanab, other rivers which are dead channels, but when extra water comes from India and when dams break, floodwaters also enter Sindh.

Wherever water flows through the Indus River into Sindh, those routes are encroached upon, blocked with different structures or occupied by settlements. He estimated that the Indus River is carrying around 700,000 cusecs.

Earlier, MPA Magsi, along with the chief engineer of the right bank of Indus and other officials, visited five spurs of the Ruk Bund where the engineers concerned briefed him about the situation with the help of maps and satellite images.

He was optimistic that dykes would sustain the pressure.

DAWN NEWS

 

[hassan918]

PM Shehbaz halts electricity bill collection in flood-stricken areas​

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an immediate suspension of electricity bill collection for the month of August from consumers in flood-affected regions.

According to details surfaced on Saturday, the decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz to address issues relating to electricity bills in areas impacted by flooding.

As part of a wider public relief initiative, the prime minister has directed power distribution companies to act on these instructions without delay.

Source: SAMAA

 

[BouncerGuy]

COAS visits flood-hit areas in Kasur, Multan

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited flood-hit areas in Kasur and Multan on Saturday to review the situation and ongoing relief efforts, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

At the Kasur Sector and the flood relief camp in Jalalpur Pirwala, Multan, the army chief was briefed on the ground situation and the rescue operations underway. Chief Secretary Punjab and senior civil administration officials accompanied him during the visit.

Emphasising the need for coordinated civil-military efforts, COAS said the state could not afford to lose precious lives and property to floods every year. He called for expediting infrastructure development and adopting people-centred governance to mitigate the devastation caused by recurring disasters.

Interacting with evacuees, Field Marshal Munir assured them of continued support for their resettlement and rehabilitation. The army chief also met troops, Rescue 1122 personnel and police officials engaged in relief operations. He lauded their high morale and round-the-clock efforts in close coordination with the civil administration to assist affected communities.

DAWN NEWS

 

[BouncerGuy]

Floods destroy rice, other crops on 140,000 acres in Narowal

Losses of more than Rs10 billion have been reported by farmers as rice and other crops cultivated on 140,250 acres of agricultural land have been lost due to the recent flooding in the Narowal district.

As per details, the high-level floods in the river Ravi and rainwater drains Auj, Baein, Basantar and Dek wiped out farmlands and devastated the farming community.

Due to the lack of an industrial zone in Narowal district, the livelihood of locals depends on agriculture and farming is done on 355,425 acres of land. Farmers grow rice, wheat, vegetables, pulses and animal fodder on these lands.

Locals report that four to five feet of floodwater has been accumulated in their fields. Adding insult to injury, the already suffering farmers and citizens lost their homes, while roads and other infrastructure was also destroyed in the floods.

Farmers say wheat cultivation not possible without financial assistance

Narowal Deputy Commissioner Syed Hassan Raza told Dawn that crops cultivated on 140,250 acres of land had been lost due to the floods. He said that farmers in Shakargarh tehsil suffered the most due to the floods as 77,090 acres of land had been submerged in the area.

He said that 45,617 acres of agricultural land was under floodwater in Narowal tehsil and 17,543 acres in Zafarwal. He said that the rice crop cultivated on 84,000 acres had been lost due to the floods. He said that the floodwaters washed away fodder for animals cultivated on 8,176 acres of land.

Farmer Muhammad Yaqoob said that farmers had suffered a loss of more than 10 billion rupees due to the flood. He said that the world-famous rice of Narowal was the biggest loss as it was the most cultivated in the district.

Another farmer Muhammad Afzal said that the loss caused to farmers was unbearable and now it was not possible for them to cultivate wheat without financial assistance. He said that their houses were also damaged and livestock sheds had been washed away. Grains, wheat seeds, urea fertiliser, agricultural machinery were also affected, he added.

He said that farmers had taken loans for fertilisers, agricultural chemicals and other needs and these loans were to paid after their harvest. How would farmers meet household expenses, children’s education and start farming again for the whole year, he asked.

To a question, the DC said that teams from the revenue and agriculture departments were assessing the losses suffered by farmers. He said that financial assistance would be provided to them as per the government’s policy.

DAWN NEWS

 

[Ball Blazer]

Punjab rivers recede as flood enters Sindh​

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued new figures on river flows with rivers seeing decreased levels at different points in Punjab, while Sindh braces for higher levels.

NDMA has also warned of the new monsoon spell clouding the upper regions of the country to hit by September 16.

In the River Chenab, the flow is normal with a gradual decrease at Trimmu and upstream areas, including Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad.

At Panjnad on the Chenab, a high flood wave of 308,000 cusecs is present.

Severe flood conditions persist in southern Multan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Alipur, Sitpur, Liaquatpur, Uch Sharif, and Ahmadpur East.

In River Ravi, the situation is normal except at Ganda Singh, where a flow of 108,000 cusecs is present. In River Sutlej, the overall situation is normal, with 89,000 cusecs at Sulemanki and 83,000 cusecs at Head Islam.

Flood conditions in Kasur, Okara, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar are gradually receding.

In the River Indus, flows at Tarbela and Taunsa are normal, while flood conditions persist at Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri barrages.

At Guddu Barrage, a high flood of 635,000 cusecs is recorded, while Sukkur Barrage has a medium flood of 538,000 cusecs.

Kotri Barrage is currently experiencing a low flood with 278,000 cusecs.

The flood wave at Guddu Barrage is expected to reach Sukkur Barrage within the next 2 to 3 days, and Kotri Barrage between September 24-26.

After the arrival of floodwaters, the possible flow at Kotri Barrage is expected to reach between 400,000 and 445,000 cusecs.

Guddu Barrage recorded an inflow of 612,269 cusecs and an outflow of 582,942 cusecs. Residents in low-lying areas were warned to move to safer locations.

Large areas of farmland were flooded, damaging thousands of acres of crops, and river villages near Kandhkot were reported underwater. So far, around 1.6 million in Sindh have been relocated to safe areas.

New rain spell

Heavy rains are forecasted across most districts of Punjab from September 16 to 19, according to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) spokesperson.

Rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Gujrat, and Sialkot. Similarly, Narowal, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Okara, Sahiwal, Kasur, Jhang, Sargodha, and Mianwali are also likely to receive rainfall.

On September 18 and 19, water flow is expected to rise in the streams and nullahs of Rawalpindi, Murree, and Galiyat, the PDMA spokesperson said. In line with the Chief Minister’s directives, commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab are on alert, said DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia.

The forecast of the 11th spell of monsoon rain came as floods ravaged large parts of southern Punjab. PDMA has said that the Jalalpur Pirwala section of the M-5 Motorway was closed due to erosion caused by floodwaters.

Authorities warned the situation could deteriorate further with another spell of heavy rainfall expected in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) this week.

The authorities in Peshawar issued an advisory for heavy rains, thunderstorms and strong winds from September 16 to 19.

Authorities warned of flash floods, landslides in hilly areas, and damage to weak structures, electricity poles, signboards and solar panels. District administrations have been directed to keep emergency teams on alert and maintain drainage systems.

Officials stressed that with more rains forecast and reservoirs near capacity - Mangla Dam at 93 per cent, Tarbela full, and major Indian dams including Bhakra, Pong and Thein close to maximum levels - the coming days will be critical.

Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel near rivers and mountains. Residents in vulnerable areas have been asked to move to higher ground or official relief camps.

The PDMA's emergency helpline 1129 remains active round the clock, the PDMA said.

On the Prime Minister’s instructions, NDMA is overseeing all rescue and relief activities. The National Emergencies Operation Center is fully operational 24/7 and NDMA is in coordination with civil and military institutions.

After evacuation, ensure compliance with official instructions for returning from temporary camps to native areas. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that between June 26 and September 14, monsoon rains and floods killed 985 people and injured 1,062.

Punjab rivers recede as flood enters Sindh | The Express Tribune

Guddu Barrage records high flood of 635,000 cusecs

tribune.com.pk

 

[Ball Blazer]

Flood levels drop in Sindh, Punjab as relief work continues​

Floodwaters are steadily receding across Sindh’s barrage network, while Punjab reports largely normal river flows, according to provincial monitoring authorities on Tuesday. Relief operations remain in full swing across provinces.

At Guddu and Sukkur, inflows of 611,051 and 571,800 cusecs, respectively, still exceed outflows by 27,900 and 53,680 cusecs, but both points have recorded notable decreases from previous days.

Similar reductions are reported at Kotri and Panjnad.

Read: President Zardari calls for preparedness ahead of heavy rains, flooding in Sindh

Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed normal flows in the Indus, Chenab and Ravi rivers, with medium flooding confined to the Sutlej basin and the Panjnad confluence.

At Ganda Singhwala, the Sutlej records a medium flood of 101,000 cusecs, while Head Islam stands at 81,000 cusecs and Sulemanki shows a low flood at 90,000 cusecs.



The Indus continues to flow at manageable levels, with 196,000 cusecs at Tarbela, 169,000 at Kalabagh, 178,000 at Chashma and 161,000 at Taunsa.

Chenab flows remain moderate, ranging from 56,000 cusecs at Marala to 80,000 at Head Trimmu, except for a medium flood surge of 234,000 cusecs at Panjnad.

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the provincial government is fully engaged in rescue and relief efforts, ensuring food, drinking water, medical care and livestock support for those affected.

He reported that 3,522 people were evacuated in the past 24 hours, bringing total relocations to 173,027, with 469 still in relief camps.

He added that 3,192 cattle were moved on Monday, bringing total livestock relocations to 450,571. Veterinary teams vaccinated 39,589 animals in the past day, with an overall total of 1,305,573.

Across Sindh, 183 medical camps are operating, treating 4,174 people in the last 24 hours and 92,958 to date.

Flood levels drop in Sindh, Punjab as relief work continues | The Express Tribune

Authorities in both provinces stay on alert as forecasts warn of new rain raising river levels

tribune.com.pk

 

[Ball Blazer]

Flood levels drop in Sindh, Punjab as relief work continues​

Floodwaters are steadily receding across Sindh’s barrage network, while Punjab reports largely normal river flows, according to provincial monitoring authorities on Tuesday. Relief operations remain in full swing across provinces.

At Guddu and Sukkur, inflows of 611,051 and 571,800 cusecs, respectively, still exceed outflows by 27,900 and 53,680 cusecs, but both points have recorded notable decreases from previous days.

Similar reductions are reported at Kotri and Panjnad.

Read: President Zardari calls for preparedness ahead of heavy rains, flooding in Sindh

Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed normal flows in the Indus, Chenab and Ravi rivers, with medium flooding confined to the Sutlej basin and the Panjnad confluence.

At Ganda Singhwala, the Sutlej records a medium flood of 101,000 cusecs, while Head Islam stands at 81,000 cusecs and Sulemanki shows a low flood at 90,000 cusecs.



The Indus continues to flow at manageable levels, with 196,000 cusecs at Tarbela, 169,000 at Kalabagh, 178,000 at Chashma and 161,000 at Taunsa.

Chenab flows remain moderate, ranging from 56,000 cusecs at Marala to 80,000 at Head Trimmu, except for a medium flood surge of 234,000 cusecs at Panjnad.

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the provincial government is fully engaged in rescue and relief efforts, ensuring food, drinking water, medical care and livestock support for those affected.

He reported that 3,522 people were evacuated in the past 24 hours, bringing total relocations to 173,027, with 469 still in relief camps.

He added that 3,192 cattle were moved on Monday, bringing total livestock relocations to 450,571. Veterinary teams vaccinated 39,589 animals in the past day, with an overall total of 1,305,573.

Across Sindh, 183 medical camps are operating, treating 4,174 people in the last 24 hours and 92,958 to date.

Flood levels drop in Sindh, Punjab as relief work continues | The Express Tribune

Authorities in both provinces stay on alert as forecasts warn of new rain raising river levels

tribune.com.pk

 

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12 days on, residents along Sutlej remain homeless

The residents in different localities of Multan, Lodhran, and Bahawalpur districts remain homeless as the government has failed to plug the breaches at the Noraja Bhutta embankment along the Sutlej River despite the passage of 12 days.

Communities in Noraja Bhutta, Bahadurpur, Basti Lang, Kanu, and Dipal in Jalalpur Pirwala; Tarut Basharat, Daily Rajanpur, and Belaywala in Lodhran; Dunyapur, Jhangra, and Muradpur Soiwala in Bahawalpur were forced to live on the banks of the embankment, as their homes remained inundated.

Basti Lang resident Muhammad Bakhsh said the water was rising again in his union council, adding it would continue to rise if the Noraja Bhutta embankment was not plugged completely. “We are also hearing about another medium level flood in the Sutlej approaching Jalalpur Pirwala in a day or two, which would further increase the water level around our homes,” he said.

“We are also hearing that the government is plugging the Noraja Bhutta embankment but the water has yet to recede from these areas…,” he rued. Ijaz Khan, from the Tarut Bashart union council, said that the water level was increasing due to the breaches. He said that the government was placing heavy stones around the M-5 Motorway bridge to save it, but the water was not receding.

Multan Irrigation Department Chief Engineer Nawaz Bajwa told Dawn that three breaches in the Noraja Bhutta embankment along the Sutlej River were plugged to save Jalalpur Pirwala city. He said that they also saved the primary gas pipeline to Punjab.

Punjab Minister for Irrigation Kazim Pirzada revealed that 70 and 90 per cent of the population in Alipur and Jalalpur Pirwala, respectively, was affected by the recent floods. He said that Jalalpur required evacuation and Alipur needed a massive relief operation, with teams working round the clock to deliver essential supplies to Sultanpur, Shahbazpur, Seetpur, and other affected towns.

Normal flow

Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said that the water flow across major rivers in Punjab had returned to normal levels. He said a low- to medium-level flood situation continued in the Sutlej River.

According to PDMA data, the Sutlej River is flowing at 95,000 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala and 81,000 cusecs at the Suleimanki point. The Chenab River shows a flow of 55,000 cusecs at Marala, which reduces to 24,000 cusecs at Khanki Headworks and 29,000 cusecs at Qadirabad.

The flow at Head Trimmu was recorded at 35,000 cusecs. The Panjnad Headworks reported a flow of 118,000 cusecs. Meanwhile, the Ravi River presented lower readings, with 6,000 cusecs at Jassar, 9,000 cusecs at Shahdara, and 30,000 cusecs at Head Sidhnai. The flow at Balloki Headworks was measured at 28,000 cusecs.

DAWN NEWS

 

[BouncerGuy]

Over 3,000 Punjab schools damaged by floods

Punjab Minister for School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat said on Thursday that 3,000 schools had been destroyed in the floods, severely affecting the education of thousands of students.

He was speaking during a meeting with Unicef’s Representative to Pakistan, Pernille Ironside, to discuss progress on various educational plans. The meeting also decided to strengthen cooperation for better outcomes.

The minister informed the Unicef representative that the school education department was facing immense challenges due to floods in the province.

He said that the department had already been facing a shortage of facilities, but the disaster had destroyed thousands of schools, many of which were still under water.

“The department is now confronted with the challenge of rehabilitating these schools,” he said, adding that three shifts were being started in functioning schools to meet the educational needs of displaced students.

The minister said that it would take around three months to rehabilitate the damaged schools. In the meantime, the government planned to rent private buildings and establish tent schools in flood-hit areas to ensure continuity of classes.

He added that the government had waived semester fees for students belonging to flood-hit areas and that scholarships would also be provided to them.

Several villages submerged

Meanwhile, despite official claims of receding floodwaters across Punjab, three breaches at the Noraja Bhutta embankment on the Sutlej River have led to catastrophic ponding, submerging several villages in the districts of Multan, Lodhran, and Bahawalpur for over a week.

The situation remains dire in the eastern areas of Jalalpur Pirwala, Lodhran and Bahawalpur, where villages, including Noraja Bhutta, Basti Lang, Kotla Chakar, Bahadurpur, Mouza Kanu, Kandeer, Jhaiyu, Deepal, Tarut Basharat, Daily Rajanpur, Belaywala, Dunyapur, Jhangra, Muradpur Soiwala and Sabra are surrounded by 8 to 10 feet of stagnant water. The relentless pressure has caused widespread destruction of homes and property.

“The water isn’t going down. About 70 per cent of houses have already collapsed, and the rest will follow if nothing is done,” said Altaf Lang, a distressed local resident. “The standing water has changed colour, and we are now seeing the spread of waterborne diseases. This is a health crisis in the making.”

Residents point to a major infrastructural obstacle: the nearby motorway. They allege that the culverts designed to allow water to pass underneath are insufficient and are instead acting as a dam, trapping the water on one side.

“The motorway isn’t usable for traffic now anyway. The authorities should breach it to let this water drain,” argued Altaf Lang. “The current culverts are not for water passage; they are just for locals and cattle to cross. They are completely blocked.”

NHA General Manager Kashif Nawaz told Dawn that there was no question of breaching the motorway and that water was passing through culverts underneath. He added that efforts were being made to secure the motorway by placing stones around vulnerable points, without closing the culverts.

DAWN NEWS

 

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Floods affect 4.2m people in Punjab

As millions of people have been affected and hundreds of casualties reported across the country during the recent floods and monsoon rains, the prime minister has raised the ex-gratia assistance for the next of kin of those who lost their lives from Rs1 million to Rs2m.

More than 4.2 million people in 18 districts of Punjab have been affected by the recent floods, with Muzaffargarh alone accounting for over a quarter of the total, according to a Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) report released by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

Muzaffargarh, located on the bank of the Chenab River, is followed by Jhang with 646,000 affected people (15.3 per cent), Bahawalpur with 514,000 (12.2pc), Khanewal with 397,000 (9.4pc), and Multan with 347,000 (8.2pc). Other affected districts include Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Hafizabad, Okara, Chiniot, Gujrat, Rahim Yar Khan, Kasur, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan and Gujranwala.

The RNA, conducted from Sept 8 to 18 in collaboration with the government, covered 1,928 mouzas in these 18 flood-hit districts.

Out of 161,000 houses assessed, about 115,700 were partially damaged and 46,000 fully or severely damaged, leaving thousands of families without adequate shelter. More than 93pc of the assessed locations reported some level of housing damage, with the highest numbers in Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Khanewal and Jhang. Approximately 2.8m people have been displaced, many forced to leave flooded, damaged or destroyed homes.

According to the report, the affected population faces urgent shelter and non-food item (NFI) needs, particularly tents, tarpaulins, GI sheets, plastic sheeting and winterisation kits, including blankets, bedding, mats, shawls, mosquito nets and warm clothes.

Health facilities

A total of 742 health facilities were assessed across the 18 districts; 395 were reported damaged — 315 partially and 80 fully or severely — posing a serious threat to the continuity of healthcare services. The highest proportions of damage were observed in Gujranwala, Bahawalnagar and Okara.

In absolute terms, Bahawalnagar recorded the greatest impact with 64 facilities damaged, followed by Jhang (55) and Muzaffargarh (46). Other districts also reported significant damage, including Bahawalpur (35), Chiniot (39) and Khanewal (25), with several facilities fully destroyed.

By contrast, Mandi Bahauddin (8pc), Vehari (17pc) and Dera Ghazi Khan (22pc) reported relatively limited impact. The scale of damage in the hardest-hit districts underscores the urgent need to restore and reinforce health infrastructure, as disruptions could reduce access to essential care, delay outbreak response and heighten community vulnerability.

The RNA highlights a significant disease burden across 1,928 flood-affected villages. Malaria was the most reported health concern (64pc of assessed villages), followed by skin infections and diarrhoea, indicating deteriorating water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions. Dengue was also reported at considerable levels, adding to the challenge of vector-borne diseases.

Educational institutions

According to the School Education Department, floods damaged 667 schools across the 18 districts, of which 54pc were girls’ schools.

Moreover, 217 schools were repurposed as evacuation centres, affecting 101,263 enrolled students. Most damage was recorded in Sialkot (210 schools), followed by Jhang (110), Gujrat (83), Muzaffargarh and Kot Addu (82 each), and Rahim Yar Khan (15).

Nearly 97,000 water supply schemes were reported damaged. Over one-third of the assessed villages reported damage to these schemes. Of the 48,500 fully damaged schemes, 60pc were in Muzaffargarh, 12pc in Jhang, and 10pc in Bahawalpur.

Before the floods, communities in most districts relied heavily on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods. Crop farming was the primary source of income for over 85pc of communities in Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Kasur, Khanewal, and Vehari, with similarly high levels in Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Chiniot, Multan, and Narowal.

Livestock

Livestock rearing engaged more than 70pc of communities in most areas, while daily wage labour was a key income source in Bahawalnagar, Gujranwala, and Khanewal. Floods have devastated these livelihoods by damaging crops, killing livestock, and disrupting agricultural cycles, leaving many households without produce or animals to sell. As farming activities stall, wage opportunities linked to farm work and local markets are shrinking, pushing vulnerable communities deeper into income loss and food insecurity.

Most communities reported having food stocks lasting only a week or less. Food insecurity is most critical in Multan, where 81.7pc of communities reported very limited stocks. Similarly, 76.2pc in Bahawalnagar, 74pc in Muzaffargarh, and 61.5pc in Bahawalpur said their food would run out within days.

Ex-gratia assistance

Meanwhile, the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat was informed that the premier raised the ex-gratia assistance for the next of kin of those who lost their lives during the floods from Rs1m to Rs2m. The revised compensation package will have a financial impact of about Rs2.033 billion.

The committee’s meeting, chaired by Senator Rana Mehmoodul Hassan, was briefed on the overall flood situation by a member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

He reported that around 1,000 people had died in the recent floods, while about 1,000 others had sustained various injuries. He added that the numbers were expected to rise once rescue, evacuation, and relief operations were completed and floodwaters receded.

The NDMA said around three million people had been rescued or evacuated between June 26 and Sept 19. The committee was also told the floods damaged 12,559 houses and resulted in the loss of 6,509 livestock. The figures are expected to rise as assessments continued.

The meeting was attended by senators Saadia Abbasi, Ataur Rehman, Aimal Wali Khan, Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Dr Afnanullah Khan, and Shahadat Awan, along with the secretary of the Establishment Division, special secretary of the Cabinet Division, chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and other senior officials.

DAWN NEWS

 

[BouncerGuy]

Allies at loggerheads as Punjab begins losses survey

As the Punjab government on Saturday launched a survey to assess the losses caused by recent floods, the PPP urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to accept its demand for providing immediate relief to the flood-affected people through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

The PML-N and the PPP — coalition partners at the Centre and in Punjab — have been at odds over how to help the flood victims, with the former’s government in Punjab insisting on using its own resources, while the latter is adamant about channelling the aid through the BISP.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, PPP Secretary General Humayun Khan, Senator Palwasha Khan and the party’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leader Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha criticised the Punjab government, saying that the BISP already had the required data and was the most effective mechanism to assist flood-hit families.

Humayun Khan said the people were enduring severe hardships due to the floods, recalling that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had visited flood-affected areas in Punjab, and reiterated the demand for immediate relief through the BISP.

Palwasha Khan expressed regret over what she termed “unfortunate remarks” from some PML-N ministers against the PPP despite being coalition partners. “It is regrettable that the Punjab government has used such language for its coalition partner. The Punjab government says it will not bow down to anyone. Then why go to the IMF? The impression is being created that Punjab belongs to one party. Punjab is not the domain of any one party; similarly, no province is the exclusive domain of any party. All provinces of Pakistan belong to all Pakistanis,” she said.

She proposed that the electricity bills of flood-affected families be waived until they fully recover. She said the scale of the damage caused by the floods was immense and could not yet be fully estimated.

She recalled that BISP funds had previously been disbursed during the holy month of Ramazan and asked: “Why does the name of BISP cause so much pain?”

Without elaborating, she said that when the Punjab chief minister faced challenges, “the most vocal voices of support came from Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and the PPP”.

Ali Shah Bacha criticised not only the PML-N but also the PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for what he called its failure to help flood victims despite being in power in the province for the past 12 years. He said the floods in KP were different in nature from those in Punjab and Sindh, as they were caused by cloudbursts that wiped out entire villages and caused hundreds of deaths.

“The prime minister and the chief minister came for just one day, distributed cheques and left,” Mr Bacha said, terming the role of both the federal and provincial governments in rescue and relief efforts “disappointing”.

“The Punjab chief minister says they do not need the PPP’s advice. But when the PML-N government is in trouble, it remembers the PPP and its leadership. When the PML-N wants votes on a bill, it turns to Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari,” he added.

“If Maryam Nawaz is the daughter of Nawaz Sharif, then don’t forget that Bilawal Bhutto is the son of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the grandson of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto,” he remarked.

Flood losses survey

The Punjab government launched a survey to assess the losses suffered by people in the province due to recent floods, but refrained from giving any timeline for completing the exercise or for the start of compensation payments to the more than four million affected residents.

“Some 2,200 survey teams comprising 10,000 members of Pakistan Army, revenue, agriculture and livestock departments and district administration will carry out the survey. Full compensation to the affected families — Rs1 million for a completely destroyed house, Rs500,000 for a partially damaged house, Rs500,000 for loss of livestock, and Rs20,000 per acre (up to 12 acres) for farmers — will be provided based on the survey report,” Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said at the launch of the Punjab Flood Survey Campaign.

“We will make sure that every single flood victim is compensated and resettled. These survey teams are my eyes, ears and hands,” she said, administering an oath to the survey teams, whom she described as the “sons and daughters of Punjab”.

Indirectly responding to criticism from the PTI and PPP over what they termed her ‘flood photo/video shoot,’ the chief minister said: “If someone is working, the camera should show it because the public deserves to know what its CM is doing. We don’t seek the camera as the real work is happening, it speaks for itself.”

She said Punjab was working while other provinces were busy criticising it. The chief minister said she was often asked how she coped with criticism. “I say Punjab is progressing and that is why criticism exists. We close our ears to negativity and keep our eyes fixed on the goal,” she remarked, adding that people from other provinces wished to live in Punjab.

She thanked Pir Pagara for appreciating Punjab’s flood management.

The CM criticised the PPP for suggesting the use of the BISP database to help flood-affected people. “Distributing Rs10,000 to each flood-affected person through BISP data will do no good,” she said.

The PPP leadership, including MNA Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, had urged the Punjab government to use BISP data instead of undertaking a lengthy survey to provide immediate relief to flood victims.

Tensions over loan remarks

As the dispute between the two coalition partners over the BISP issue continued, senior PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan said on X: “Punjab has emerged as the biggest borrower among all provinces, securing a staggering Rs405 billion loan from the State Bank in just the first 38 days (July 1 to August 8, 2025) of the current fiscal year (2025-26).”

Responding to the claim, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari threatened to sue Mr Chan under defamation laws and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca).

“Chan Sahib, you were a decent man, but for the past few days it seems you are either under mental stress or deliberately running fake propaganda against Punjab,” she said, emphasising that the facts about the loan issue had already been shared with the media on Aug 26. “Now repeating this false narrative falls under Peca.” Ms Bokhari added that under the Punjab Defamation Bill, Mr Chan would have to prove the “fabricated news” in court.

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