LAHORE, MULTAN, BAHAWALPUR: The floodwaters at the Head Panjnad confluence of the River Chenab in Punjab have surged to alarming levels, signaling an intense flood crisis across the region.
As per detail, Recent data from the Punjab Flood Forecasting Division reveals that water discharge at this key point has surpassed 668,000 cusecs, with the flood wave advancing towards Samka Chachran. Notably, after a period of decline over the past three days, the water levels have begun climbing again since last night, raising concerns among authorities and residents alike.
River Indus and Trimmu Barrage:
Alongside the Chenab, the Indus River at Taunsa Barrage is also experiencing a significant flood wave, with nearly 200,000 cusecs flowing towards Samka Chachran. Meanwhile, at Trimmu Barrage on the Chenab, the outflow had been decreasing but has recently increased again, with over 188,000 cusecs moving downstream toward Head Panjnad and ultimately into the Indus. These rising flows are part of a broader flood pattern affecting multiple rivers in the region.
Sutlej River:
The Sutlej River remains under stress at Ganda Singh Wala, where floodwaters continue to exceed 182,000 cusecs. The situation is compounded by ongoing releases from India, which has been steadily increasing water discharge into the Sutlej over the past three days, intensifying the flood threat downstream in Pakistan.
Agricultural Devastation:
The deluge has inflicted severe damage on Punjab’s agricultural landscape. Official estimates report that approximately 2.125 million acres of farmland have been inundated or damaged. Crops such as cotton over 110,000 acres destroyed, rice (nearly 971,000 acres submerged), maize (more than 186,000 acres ruined), and sugarcane (over 220,000 acres lost) have faced catastrophic losses. Fodder crops spanning 405,000 acres and vegetable cultivation over 115,000 acres have also suffered extensive destruction, threatening local food security and farmers’ livelihoods.
Implications and Response:
Authorities are on high alert, closely monitoring the rising water levels and preparing for possible evacuations and relief operations. The ongoing flood threatens further displacement and economic hardship, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated disaster management and support initiatives to mitigate the impact on vulnerable communities.
