India water release swells Sutlej
Rescue 1122 officials assist residents onto boats to evacuate them from flood-hit villages after a breach in the Sutlej River submerged hundreds of acres of farmland in Bahawalpur, disrupting livelihoods and forcing families to flee their homes. PHOTO: APP
Authorities across Pakistan issued flood alerts as heavy monsoon rains lashed multiple regions, swelling rivers and threatening widespread damage to crops, infrastructure and communities.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned that torrential downpours are expected to continue through August 30, with Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir likely to be hardest hit.
The Indus River has already risen to medium flood levels at Guddu Barrage, while Sutlej River continues to swell following water releases from India.
At Ganda Singh Wala, the Sutlej reached a high flood level, with water recorded at more than 130,000 cusecs and a depth of 21.3 feet. Officials warned the surge could affect at least 72 nearby villages, with thousands of acres of farmland already submerged.
Local reports said embankments at several locations have broken, submerging crops worth millions of rupees. In Kasur district, villages including Nagra Aimanpura, Mabuki, Basti Ibrahim, Mahiwala and Fattiwala have been cut off, with communications disrupted and residents struggling to reach safe ground.
Officials cautioned that flash floods could inundate low-lying areas and trigger landslides in hilly terrain.
According to the NEOC, three rain-bearing systems are expected to enter the country during this period, likely triggering widespread downpours and elevating flood risks in vulnerable areas.
From August 23 to 25, torrential rains accompanied by strong winds are expected in Islamabad, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab, with urban flooding feared in low-lying zones and landslides likely in hilly terrain.
Northeastern Punjab districts, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Sialkot, Gujrat, Hafizabad and Mandi Bahauddin, are forecast to receive heavy rainfall.
Urban flooding is also anticipated in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Narowal, Talagang and Chakwal.
In southern Punjab and adjoining areas, hill torrents may swell in Dera Ghazi Khan, Dera Ismail Khan, and Rajanpur due to heavy water flow. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to experience intense rainfall from August 23 to 27, with flash floods likely in streams and landslides threatening mountainous regions.
NDMA confirmed that it is actively monitoring relief operations in affected regions, with all relevant institutions on high alert to manage potential emergencies.
Authorities have cautioned that further rainfall may trigger additional landslides and urged the public to remain vigilant and adopt safety measures.
Tourists have been advised to avoid travel to northern areas due to elevated risks of heavy rainfall and landslides.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab said the monsoon's eighth spell, forecast to last until August 27, is bringing widespread rainfall across key districts including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Gujranwala and Bahawalpur.
Authorities placed emergency services on high alert, urging residents to avoid crossing rivers and vulnerable streams.
In Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan, urban flooding is feared as drainage systems struggle to cope with the downpour.