Over 4.5M affected as Pakistan’s Punjab reels from devastating floods

Raging floods in southern part of Pakistani province of Punjab have displaced millions, damaged villages, and cut off major routes as rescue and relief operations struggle to keep pace with the devastation.

The situation in Alipur is growing increasingly dire. Local journalist Ali Hassan told Nukta that the land route to Seetpur has been cut off, while floodwaters are now only two kilometers from the city.

More than 100 villages have been inundated. Residents fleeing the rising waters reported thefts in abandoned areas. Locals described rescue efforts as slow, urging for more boats to accelerate evacuations. Many families have been forced to leave their homes and belongings behind.

At present, 679,290 cusecs of water is passing through the Punjnad Headworks, raising fears for downstream areas.

In Shujabad Tehsil of Multan, an 80-foot-wide breach in the Chenab River embankment flooded several villages and triggered an urgent evacuation.

Flood-affected residents fix a damaged structure after the flood in the Chenab river in Muzaffargarh in Punjab province on September 6, 2025. AFP

Heavy machinery was deployed to repair the breach, but rising waters had already inundated Basti Mithu, Soman, and Basti Bangala. Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb visited the area to oversee rescue and relief efforts.

PDMA report details flood damage

The Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported massive destruction across the province.

Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed confirmed that more than 4,500 villages have been affected. Flooding in the Chenab alone impacted 2,335 villages, with 672 along the Sutlej and 1,482 along the Ravi.

Nearly 4.5 million people have been affected, of which 2.45 million have been relocated to safe areas. The PDMA said 396 relief camps, 490 medical camps, and 405 veterinary camps have been established. Around 1.9 million livestock have also been moved to safety.

Reservoirs are nearing full capacity, with Mangla Dam at 93 percent and Tarbela Dam completely filled. Across the border in India, Bhakra Dam is 88 percent full, Pong Dam 94 percent, and Thein Dam 89 percent.

So far, 97 people have died in flood-related incidents. Relief Commissioner Javed said that compensation will be provided under directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

River levels monitored

The PDMA issued fresh river flow updates as of 9 a.m. on September 12.

On the Chenab River, Marala Headworks reported 54,871 cusecs (falling), Khanki 78,749 cusecs (steady), and Qadirabad 73,949 cusecs (steady). Trimmu recorded 114,849 cusecs (steady), while Head Muhammad Wala measured 411.55 feet against 417.50 feet (falling). Sher Shah Bridge stood at 393.10 feet against 393.50 feet (steady).

The Ravi River saw steady flows with Jassar at 18,100 cusecs, Shahdara 31,682 cusecs, Balloki 57,085 cusecs, and Sidhnai 69,812 cusecs.

On the Sutlej, Ganda Singh Wala recorded 78,492 cusecs (falling), Sulemanki 102,137 cusecs (steady), Islam 96,598 cusecs (steady), Punjnad Headworks 679,290 cusecs (steady), and Malsi Syphon 114,556 cusecs (steady).

Rescue and relief

Rescue 1122 confirmed evacuations continue in Multan City, Saddar, and Jalalpur Pirwala. Hundreds of people, including children, women, and the elderly, were moved to safety along with valuables and livestock.

Rescue officials said teams are working nonstop to protect lives and property, stressing that no one will be left behind.

Chief minister’s visit

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to visit flood-hit Rahim Yar Khan, including suburban areas of Liaqatpur. She will also meet displaced families at a relief camp at Gul Muhammad Langah School.

Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb led a 24-hour rescue operation in Jalalpur Pirwala, saying it would not end until every person was evacuated. She praised local officials and rescue teams for their dedication.

Provincial Minister for Irrigation Kazim Pirzada, along with the irrigation secretary, briefed her on the embankment breach. She ordered immediate repairs. Other provincial leaders, including Khawaja Salman Rafique, Rana Sikandar Hayat, and Ziaullah Shah, also accompanied her.