Imminent flood threat eases as water levels stabilise, says PDMA

At least 26 villages and 30,000 residents in Banda Malana, Banda Sandeela, Akbar Pura, Shershah, Gariwala and Mirza Pur remain at risk if embankments are breached.

However, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab spokesperson said on Thursday that water levels have stabilised for now, delaying any immediate need to break embankments. He cautioned that a further rise could still force authorities to act.

At least 46 people have died and more than 3.7 million affected as heavy monsoon rains and water releases from India worsen flooding in Punjab.

409 relief camps are operational, sheltering 25,000 people, while over 1.4 million residents and one million livestock have been relocated.

Flood levels in the Chenab have reached 530,000 cusecs at Qadirabad Headworks and nearly 500,000 cusecs at Chiniot, with Trimmu recording 253,000 cusecs.

The Ravi stood at 98,000 cusecs at Siphon, while the Sutlej reached 319,295 cusecs at GS Wala and 169,032 cusecs at Panjnad.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has reviewed the situation at Head Muhammad Wala, identified as the next major challenge. Pressure is also rising at Shershah Bridge in Multan, where traffic has been suspended.

The Indian High Commission has alerted Pakistan to flood risks at Harike and Ferozepur, raising concerns of extremely high flows in the Sutlej.

The Punjab government has launched “clinics on boats” and 968 mobile medical units, providing healthcare, vaccination drives, nutritional screening, and ambulance services for pregnant women.

Rescue operations continue, with the Pakistan Army assisting evacuations and relief efforts.

Meanwhile, motorway police confirmed that the Multan–Sukkur Motorway (M-5) remains open and safe for travel.

WAPDA said water storage stood at 5.72 MAF in Tarbela, 6.23 MAF in Mangla, and 0.26 MAF in Chashma, with total usable reserves at 12.21 MAF.

Sindh precautionary measures

Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies have stepped up precautionary measures amid the looming flood threat in Sindh, triggered by heavy rains and water inflows from India.

Army troops have been deployed in vulnerable areas with necessary equipment, while Pakistan Rangers Sindh are providing security to Irrigation Department teams working on embankment repairs.

Patrolling and check-posts along protective embankments have been intensified. Rangers, in collaboration with the civil administration, have also established a free medical camp for residents. Assistance is being provided to families evacuating from Katcha areas.

NDMA flood warning

On Wednesday, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a high-flood warning for the Chenab River, citing heavy rainfall in upper catchments and additional dam discharges.

According to NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), water flow at Marala Headworks was recorded at 548,237 cusecs, with projections rising to 550,000 cusecs.

The flood wave is expected to reach Qadirabad around 3.00am, Trimmu Headworks on September 8 with 330,000 cusecs, Panjnad on September 11 with 264,000 cusecs, and Guddu Barrage on September 13 with 217,000 cusecs.

The NDMA has directed district administrations to implement immediate safety and evacuation measures. Residents near Khanki, Qadirabad, Trimmu