Pakistan says floodwaters receding, key highways remain open

Authorities in Pakistan said Friday that water levels in major rivers were beginning to recede, offering some relief after weeks of heavy monsoon rains and flooding that have killed hundreds across the country.

In Pakistan's eastern city of Multan, officials reported that the water level of the Chenab River had dropped slightly to 392 feet at Sher Shah Bridge, below the danger mark of 395.

At Head Muhammad Wala, another key point on the Chenab, the water level was also decreasing, according to the Multan district administration.

While officials noted seepage at multiple points of the Sher Shah embankment near surrounding villages, they said the structure remained intact and that water pressure was expected to ease further on Friday.

A late-night meeting of senior officials in the upstream Punjab province concluded that no controlled breaches were necessary at this stage.

Authorities said all strategic infrastructure projects in the area were safe.

Major highways and motorways, including the M-4 and M-5, remained open, though Head Muhammad Wala Road was temporarily closed to traffic and expected to reopen later in the day.

The Sher Shah Bridge and the N-70 Multan–Dera Ghazi Khan highway were open.

In downstream Sindh province, officials said Friday that water levels at major barrages remain high but stable.

Inflows at Guddu, Sukkur and Kotri barrages were all above 200,000 cusecs, while Trimmu and Panjnad also saw increases.

Authorities said the flood situation is under control and emergency teams remain on alert.

The developments come as Pakistan continues to grapple with widespread flooding from heavy monsoon rains that have killed at least 881 people and injured nearly 1,200 since June, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.