India’s water release may trigger new flooding in Sutlej: PDMA

The Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan has contacted Pakistani authorities after warnings of high-level floods in the Sutlej River, officials confirmed on Monday.

Punjab is facing one of the most dangerous flood waves in years as rivers Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej continue to rise to alarming levels. Thousands of people have been displaced while vast farmland and villages remain underwater. According to officials, massive water inflows from India’s Harike and Ferozepur Headworks are expected to worsen the situation in the Sutlej. The Indian envoy in Islamabad has been briefed on the threat, while provincial chief secretaries and local administrations have been put on high alert. At Head Trimmu, the Chenab River recorded 479000 cusecs, placing it in the extremely high flood category, and the flow is expected to reach 700,000 cusecs by evening. Traffic at the headworks has already been suspended to avoid further risks.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a flood alert for Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers and their adjoining drains. A very high flood has been reported at Ganda Singh Wala and Trimmu Headworks, while rising levels in the Ravi are also creating concern. The authority has warned that heavy rainfall in upper catchments could trigger urban flooding in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat divisions over the next three days.

Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed reviewed the rescue operations at PDMA’s control room and said the largest relief mission in Punjab’s history is in progress. More than 506 relief camps and 352 medical camps are active, providing shelter and treatment to victims. So far, over 17000 people have received medical aid, and more than 500000 cattle have been moved to safe places. At least 33 people have lost their lives, while millions remain affected.