ISLAMABAD / MULTAN / MUZAFFARGARH — Already reeling from weeks of devastating flooding, large parts of Punjab are bracing for another round of torrential rains over the next 12 to 24 hours, with authorities warning that fresh downpours could worsen an already critical situation.
The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), part of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), has issued a high alert for both rural and urban flooding across Punjab and Islamabad. Districts including Sialkot, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Narowal are expected to be hit hardest, while southern Punjab and Islamabad are likely to see intermittent showers.
PM Calls for Urgency in Rescue and Power Restoration
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, currently in Beijing, paused his official engagements to chair a virtual briefing on the worsening floods. He instructed the National Highway Authority and the Energy Ministry to prioritize repairing damaged roads and restoring power in submerged areas.
Shehbaz urged federal and provincial agencies to work “in lockstep” to evacuate residents, deliver relief supplies, and rebuild critical infrastructure. He also ordered disaster authorities to intensify efforts to locate missing persons.
The NDMA reported that river monitoring is underway across Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej, with dams and barrages being actively regulated to prevent catastrophic overflow. A surge of water from these rivers is expected to converge at Panjnad, before reaching Sindh’s Guddu Barrage by Saturday. Preparations are being made to mitigate the downstream impact.
2.4 Million People Displaced in Punjab
Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that the Chenab and Ravi rivers are set to merge today near Sidhnai Headworks and Head Muhammad Wala, escalating flood risks.
DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia described the ongoing rescue campaign as “historic,” citing the evacuation of more than 900,000 residents and 600,000 livestock. About 3,200 villages and 2.4 million people have been directly affected, making this one of Punjab’s most severe flood events in recent history.
While some districts like Sialkot and Chiniot are beginning to see receding waters, meteorologists warn that the monsoon season will continue until at least mid-September, with another heavy rainfall surge predicted between September 6–7.
Power Cuts Hit 12 Districts
Floodwaters have forced the Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) to suspend electricity to nearly 70,000 consumers in 12 districts for safety reasons. A spokesperson confirmed that 2,915 transformers were submerged but secured to prevent damage.
A 24/7 flood control room has been set up at MEPCO headquarters to coordinate response efforts, while field teams work to restore electricity where possible.
Travel Disruptions as Chenab Levels Surge
In a precautionary move, authorities have closed the Head Muhammad Wala bridge to all traffic due to dangerously high water levels in the Chenab River. Police are directing travelers to alternate routes, while engineers prepare controlled breaches to manage the river’s flow.
The Bigger Picture
This year’s monsoon flooding has highlighted the vulnerability of Pakistan’s riverine communities, where outdated infrastructure and unplanned settlements leave millions at risk. While rescue operations are underway, experts warn that unless long-term water management policies are implemented, Punjab and Sindh will continue to face such disasters with increasing frequency.
