India releases water into Sutlej again, major flood alert issued across Punjab

(Web Desk): India has once again released water into the Sutlej River, prompting a major flood alert in Pakistan, while the devastation caused by heavy rains and flooding continues across Punjab.

A second wave of flooding from the Chenab River is moving toward Head Muhammad Wala in Multan. To protect the city, preparations have been finalized to breach the Sher Shah embankment if necessary. In Faisalabad, record-breaking rainfall shattered a 30-year record, and Lahore also experienced heavy downpours.

The Indian High Commission issued a high flood alert for the Sutlej River early Tuesday, warning of significant flooding at Harike and Ferozepur. The alert was sent to Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources at 8:00 AM, which then issued notices to relevant departments.

Meanwhile, flood damage continues in several parts of Punjab, submerging hundreds of homes, villages, and crops. Low-lying areas around Multan are inundated with 5 to 10 feet of water. In Kabirwala (Khanewal), the Ravi and Chenab rivers are also at high flood levels, drowning thousands of wheat sacks.

Torrential rains persist across Punjab. Faisalabad recorded its highest rainfall in 30 years: Ghulam Muhammad Abad received 184 mm, Allama Iqbal Colony 175 mm, Gulistan Colony 170 mm, Jail Road 167 mm, and Dogar Basti and Madina Town 154 mm. Several low-lying areas were flooded, and rainwater entered homes, forcing residents to take shelter on rooftops or relocate to safer areas.

In Lahore, heavy rains on Monday submerged roads and neighborhoods, severely affecting daily life. According to WASA, by 7 PM Monday, the highest rainfall was 113 mm in Pani Wala Talab, followed by 97 mm in Iqbal Town, 96.5 mm in Lakshmi Chowk, and 77.5 mm in Gulberg. Power outages were widespread, with nearly 80 feeders (11kV) tripping due to the downpour.

The Indus River is also at risk of severe flooding. Water levels at Guddu Barrage are rising rapidly, endangering low-lying areas in Kashmore. In the last 24 hours, water levels at Guddu rose to 41,868 cusecs. Currently, the inflow is 443,494 cusecs, while the outflow is 434,294 cusecs.

The flooding in the Indus has cut off access to many riverine (kacha) areas, and rising water at Kot Mithan has triggered large-scale evacuations. A similar situation is developing in Sukkur, where people are also being forced to flee.

According to PDMA Sindh, the flood may affect up to 200 villages and 224,000 people in the province. The flood wave from Punjab is expected to move through Guddu and Sukkur before reaching Sehwan, prompting a major flood warning in all adjoining kacha areas.

In Sukkur and surrounding regions, heavy rains have weakened canal embankments. Near Pano Aqil, breaches occurred at three points on Korai Wah and Mahesar Wah canals, submerging hundreds of acres of crops.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah arrived at Guddu Barrage, where the flood from Punjab’s eastern rivers is expected to pass after crossing Panjnad. He was received by Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro and Secretary Irrigation Zarif Khero.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is also scheduled to visit the barrage. According to Jam Khan Shoro, Bilawal will arrive at Guddu after visiting flood-affected areas in Punjab, where he will be briefed on the flood situation on the barrage deck.