Massive flooding has struck Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after India released a huge volume of water into eastern rivers without prior notice. The sudden water release caused the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers to swell beyond safe levels, devastating agricultural land and submerging villages.
Floods Inundate Punjab’s Villages
The Sutlej River is experiencing dangerously high levels at Ganda Singh Wala, while the Ravi has recorded medium flood levels at Head Sulemanki. Rising waters have submerged more than 50 villages near Ganda Singh, forcing thousands to flee their homes.
Protective dykes in Okara and Burewala collapsed, worsening the situation. Crops spread over thousands of acres were washed away in Bahawalnagar, Minchinabad, Baba Farid Bridge, Bhukan Pattan, and Arifwala.
Authorities confirmed that India opened all spillway gates of the Thein Dam on the Ravi, releasing nearly 210,000 cusecs into Pakistan at Kot Naina. PDMA warned that within 24 hours, flood levels at Jassar, Shahdara, and Head Balloki will rise sharply. At Jassar, water flow has already hit 90,000 cusecs, while Shahdara recorded 40,000 cusecs.
Infrastructure Collapse and Evacuations
Severe flooding also damaged key infrastructure. The old Nullah Dek bridge collapsed at Hanjli, cutting road links and leaving residents stranded. A 100-foot-wide breach appeared at Kotli Marla, and another 30-foot gap opened at Badoke Cheema. Villagers in Kotli Marla, Ghazi Chak, Kenchian Wali, and Badoke Cheema remain trapped as floodwaters isolate entire communities.
The Chenab is swelling near Chiniot, with a recorded flow of 110,000 cusecs. As floodwaters entered Head Marala, authorities issued high alerts across border villages including Shakargarh and Ferozewala.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Suffers Heavy Casualties
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, floods caused widespread devastation. According to PDMA figures, 406 people have lost their lives, including 131 men, 167 women, and 108 children. At least 245 others were injured.
The disaster destroyed 574 houses and partially damaged 2,136 more. Livestock losses exceeded 5,900, while 18 schools were demolished and 306 sustained partial damage. Flood-related incidents were reported in Swat, Lower Dir, Bajaur, Mardan, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Nowshera, Charsadda, and other districts.
Power Breakdown in KP
The floods triggered a major power breakdown in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Swat, Shangla, and Buner, 292 transformers and 49 feeders were damaged, leaving 200,000 consumers without power. PESCO reported losses exceeding Rs1.64 billion, with Swat alone suffering Rs536 million in damages. Despite efforts to restore electricity, around 87,000 consumers remain cut off from supply.
Relief and Rescue Efforts
Relief operations are being led by PDMA Punjab, Rescue 1122, and Pakistan Army engineers. Emergency teams are evacuating residents to safer areas, while local administrations remain on full alert to deal with the escalating situation. Authorities have urged people to avoid low-lying areas and move to higher ground immediately.
