Floods impact millions in Pakistan’s Punjab as rivers swell; new monsoon spell forecast

Floodwaters continued to batter Pakistan’s most populous province, Punjab, on Monday, with high flood levels reported at multiple barrages across major rivers and more than 4.7 million people affected, according to government data.

The Flood Forecasting Division said in its latest report that the Indus River at Guddu Barrage in southern Sindh province was in high flood, with an inflow of 635,759 cusecs and outflow of 606,489 cusecs. At Panjnad Barrage in southern Punjab, the Chenab River was also at high flood, with inflows and outflows of 307,830 cusecs.

At Sukkur Barrage on the Indus, further downstream in Sindh, inflows of 538,916 cusecs and outflows of 485,736 cusecs kept the river at medium flood.

Kotri Barrage, the last major control point before the Indus flows into the Arabian Sea, was at low flood with inflows of 278,786 cusecs and outflows of 267,631 cusecs.

The Sutlej River, which flows from India into Pakistan, was reported at medium flood at Ganda Singh Wala, with inflows and outflows of 104,689 cusecs, and at Islam Barrage, where inflows reached 83,655 cusecs and outflows 82,155 cusecs.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert as river levels continue to fluctuate.

Millions displaced as relief camps expand

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority of Punjab reported that floods in the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers have affected more than 4.7 million people across 4,700 villages. At least 104 people have died from flood-related incidents, though no new casualties were reported in the last 24 hours.

Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed said the Chenab has impacted 2,484 villages, the Ravi 1,458, and the Sutlej 719. Rescue operations have so far moved 2.56 million people and 2.07 million animals to safer areas.

The provincial government has established 372 relief camps, 454 medical camps, and 385 veterinary camps. Javed said compensation will be provided to citizens under directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Water reservoirs remain near capacity, with Tarbela Dam on the Indus at 100 percent, Mangla Dam on the Jhelum River at 94 percent, and several Indian dams — Bhakra at 88 percent, Pong at 94 percent, and Thein at 88 percent — also nearly full.

New monsoon spell heightens flood risk

The authority has also warned of fresh challenges as another monsoon spell is expected in Punjab from Sept. 16 to 19. Heavy rains are forecast in cities and districts including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Jhang, and Sargodha.

Streams and nullahs in hilly areas such as Murree and Galiyat may overflow on Sept. 18 and 19, while urban flooding is also likely.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said district administrations have been placed on alert, along with departments including health, irrigation, local government, and livestock. Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers, and contact the helpline 1129 in emergencies.

Evacuations and relief operations continue

In Jalalpur Pirwala Tehsil, 22,860 people and 4,130 animals have been evacuated, including 1,396 people and 766 animals in the past 24 hours. In Multan district, 9,304 people and 2,998 animals have been rescued, with dozens more evacuated over the last day.

Rescue 1122 said boats and protective gear are being used, with priority given to children, women, and the elderly.

CM Maryam described ongoing rescue and relief efforts in South Punjab as unprecedented, saying they are the largest in the region’s history. She said cabinet members are on the ground with flood-affected families.

The Punjab Saaf Pani Authority reported that 1.8 million liters of clean water have been distributed so far, benefiting about 605,400 people.

Floodwaters have also damaged 46 health facilities, though three have already been restored. Punjab’s Health Department said 877 medical camps are operational, along with 24 field hospitals, 21 “Clinic on Boats” units, and 461 mobile “Clinic on Wheels” facilities. More than 722,000 victims have been treated, including 45,000 in the past day.

Infrastructure and relief supplies

Meanwhile, road infrastructure continues to suffer. The Communication and Works Department said temporary restoration is underway, with permanent works to begin once waters recede.

The National Highways and Motorway Police announced the closure of traffic on the M-5 near Jalalpur on Sept. 14 after floodwater entered the route. Diversions remain in place at multiple interchanges.

Provincial ministers also visited flood-hit areas to distribute tents, rations, stoves, and other relief supplies. Authorities confirmed a “Tent City” and a mobile health facility called “Clinic on Wheels” are operating in Kundai Bridge and other affected areas.

Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir said more than 29,000 hygiene kits have been distributed, 140 snakebite cases treated, and 67 diabetes patients provided insulin.