LAHORE, September 4: Authorities in Pakistan’s Punjab province are bracing for what they call a “super flood” as the swollen Ravi and Chenab rivers converge near Khanewal, threatening Multan and Muzaffargarh districts, Dawn reported on Wednesday.
Officials have warned of a dual threat after days of controlled breaches aimed at easing pressure on embankments, as rising water levels continue to endanger urban centers and rural settlements alike.
The water level at Muhammadwala and Sher Shah points stood at 412 feet, just five feet below the critical mark. “The next 12 hours are extremely critical. We are facing a dual threat: existing high water from the confluence of the rivers and a new wave heading for us,” a Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) official said.
The Punjab government is considering controlled breaches at Head Muhammadwala, Sher Shah Flood Bund, and Rangpur to safeguard densely populated areas.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia warned that three major Indian dams are nearing maximum capacity, which could worsen flooding in Punjab over the next 72 hours.
Instead of merging with the Chenab as expected, Ravi’s waters are reportedly flowing backward, preventing water levels from falling at key locations like Ahmadpur Sial and Sidhnai.
Major Impact Across Punjab
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3,900+ villages affected
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3.7 million people displaced
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46 deaths reported
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1.4 million residents & 1 million animals moved to safer locations
Over 409 relief camps are housing around 25,000 displaced people, while clean drinking water, fumigation, and medical care remain priorities.
Railway Traffic, Urban Centers Affected
Railway traffic between Faisalabad and Karachi has been suspended after floodwaters submerged a Chenab River bridge in Abdul Hakim.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally assessed the situation at Head Muhammadwala and flood relief camps in Multan, ordering accelerated relief efforts and damage assessments.
Key Water Flow Levels (as of 11 PM, Wednesday)
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Chenab: Marala (falling) at 444,754 cusecs; Khanki steady at 558,683 cusecs; Qadirabad steady at 557,440 cusecs
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Ravi: Jassar receding at 82,140 cusecs; Shahdara rising
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Sutlej: Stable at all monitoring points, including GS Wala and Sulemanki