Dam breach in Punjab city forces mass evacuations, floods farmland in Pakistan

A dam on the Chenab River in the Punjab city of Jalalpur Pirwala collapsed on Wednesday, inundating homes and farmland and intensifying Pakistan’s ongoing monsoon flood crisis that has displaced thousands and caused widespread destruction since late June.

Following the breach, water surged rapidly toward the city, prompting emergency evacuation orders. Over 4,750 residents have been relocated since yesterday, while city authorities urged the public to evacuate immediately. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif arrived on-site to oversee relief efforts at a local relief camp.

Floodwaters in many rivers of Punjab have begun to recede, but downstream provinces remain at risk. Sindh, located along the Indus River, continues to monitor major barrages including Guddu and Sukkur, which are still releasing substantial flows.

Authorities warned that water from Punjab’s tributaries could merge into the Indus, threatening defenses in Sindh. The Punjab PDMA has advised downstream districts to strengthen embankments, activate early warning systems, and establish relief camps.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued warnings for exceptionally high flood levels along the Sutlej River and high to very high levels at Guddu on the Indus, alongside forecasts of heavy rainfall over Sindh and eastern Balochistan, raising the risk of urban and flash flooding in the coming days.

Since June 26, floods have claimed at least 928 lives nationwide, with more than 1,051 injuries reported. Infrastructure damage is widespread, including over 8,000 homes destroyed or partially damaged, 6,508 livestock lost, and 671.58 kilometers of roads and 239 bridges affected.

Punjab remains the hardest hit in terms of casualties, with 245 deaths and 656 injuries, alongside 238 homes destroyed and 121 livestock lost. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has recorded the highest provincial fatalities at 504, while Sindh reported 65 deaths, Balochistan 26, Gilgit-Baltistan 41, Azad Jammu & Kashmir 38, and Islamabad 9.

Sindh situation

Downstream in Sindh, along the Indus River, authorities are closely monitoring major barrages as floodwaters from Punjab continue to flow south. At Guddu Barrage, one of the main flow-control structures, water is entering at 502,844 cusecs and being released at 492,443 cusecs. Sukkur Barrage sees inflows of 400,405 cusecs with outflows of 382,355 cusecs, while Kotri Barrage records 253,145 cusecs inflow and 251,745 cusecs outflow.

Officials warn that water from Punjab’s rivers could combine with the Indus, putting downstream communities at risk of flooding. The high water levels underscore the ongoing threat to Sindh’s flood defenses, farmland and populated areas. Authorities are monitoring river flows closely and managing releases to reduce the risk of further inundation, while emergency services stand ready to respond if conditions worsen.

Relief operations

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) continues relief operations in flood-affected Punjab. Today, a convoy of 20 trucks carrying heaters, folding beds, quilts, blankets, water cans, and other essential supplies was dispatched to PDMA Punjab, following a previous 10-truck convoy on 9 September, according to a statement.

Punjab has received a total of 1,660 tons of aid, including tents, mosquito nets, water filtration plants, and 17 boats. NDMA stated that it remains in close coordination with civil and military agencies and continues to monitor relief operations across the province.

River situation

The Ministry of Water Resources reports that upstream and downstream flows remain uneven at major barrages. At Guddu Barrage, upstream flow is 493,281 cusecs and downstream 471,549 cusecs. Sukkur records 400,405 cusecs upstream and 382,355 cusecs downstream, while Kotri reports 253,545 cusecs upstream and 251,745 cusecs downstream.

Authorities continue to monitor river flows closely to ensure timely water release and reduce flood risks.