Flood threat eases in Pakistan’s Punjab rivers as last surge of water passes

Floodwaters in Pakistan’s Punjab province are receding after the final wave of the monsoon floods, which may bring relief to many communities, authorities said.

Water levels across the province’s rivers have steadily fallen, easing pressure on previously flooded areas and allowing key transport routes, including major highways and bridges, to reopen. Most strategic infrastructure in the province is reported safe.

Despite this easing in Punjab, some areas including Jalalpur Pirwala, Liaqatpur, Shujabad, and Ali Pur continue to face severe flooding from a secondary wave, with military rescue operations ongoing.

Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited flood-hit areas on Saturday, stressing the need for improved governance and faster implementation of flood protection projects to reduce recurring losses.

Sindh on alert

Downstream provinces, particularly Sindh, remain on high alert. Authorities are closely monitoring the Indus River and major barrages, with the Guddu Barrage expected to face extremely high flood levels between September 14 and 15.

The Sukkur Barrage is also forecast to experience high flows over the next 24 hours, highlighting the continued risk for communities further south.

According to the latest river and reservoir data, the Indus at Guddu is experiencing high flows but shows signs of easing, while other major rivers including the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej are stabilizing or declining.

Reservoirs such as Tarbela, Mangla, and Chashma remain closely monitored, with combined storage at 96.5% of capacity. Authorities have been urged to regulate water releases carefully, adhering to standard operating procedures and dam safety guidelines to protect downstream populations.

Rains take a pause

Meteorologically, no significant weather systems are expected over the coming week, though a fresh westerly wave is forecast to bring scattered moderate rainfall to upper river catchments from September 16 to 19.

Weak monsoon currents continue to penetrate northern Pakistan, and a seasonal low remains over northern Balochistan, maintaining the potential for localized heavy rainfall.