Multan, Muzaffargarh reel as NDMA sounds alarm over rising Chenab water

High flood flow is passing through Panjnad: Water level is again rising in Ravi and Sutlej rivers

Published: 09:10 AM, 4 Sep, 2025
Topics, Environment
Multan, Muzaffargarh reel as NDMA sounds alarm over rising Chenab water
Caption: A flood-affected villager looks at the overflowing Sutlej River, as he sits over the rooftop of his house in Kasur district.–AFP

Authorities in Multan and Muzaffargarh were keeping their fingers crossed as the extremely high flood near Khanewal was roaring towards them after the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) sounded a warning of high flooding in the Chenab River, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.

As the confluence of the surged Chenab and Ravi rivers has threatened Multan and Muzaffargarh, the authorities were getting ready to deal with the extremely high flood.

The water flow at Muhammadwala and Sher Shah was recorded at 412 feet, only five feet below critical level.

The floodwater has submerged low-lying areas in Muzaffargarh and was passing under the main bridge on River Chenab.

The incoming flood level at Panjnad was recorded at 170,000 cusecs while the it was exiting at 155,000 cusecs.

The district administration said so far there was neither a danger to any dyke nor there was need to cause a breach anywhere. The flood wave is expected to pass through Muzaffargarh by Thursday evening and will enter into Alipur’s limits.
Second flood wave from India

There was extremely high flood at several places along Rivers Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej after India released another wave of floodwater on Wednesday.

The water level was again rising in River Ravi at Shahdara as 90,500 cusecs were passing from the area. Head Balloki was experiencing 115,670 cusecs of flood flow.

According to PDMA, in the River Chenab, water flow at Marala Headworks is 247,000 cusecs, at Khanki Headworks 526,000 cusecs, and at Qadirabad Headworks 530,000 cusecs downstream at Chiniot Bridge, flow is 494,000 cusecs.

In the River Ravi, water flow at Shahdara is 97,400 cusecs while at Ravi Syphon it is 98,000 cusecs. At Sidhnai Headworks, flow has reached around 139,999 cusecs.

In the River Sutlej, water flow at Ganda Singh Wala is 319,000 cusecs, at Sulemanki 132,492 cusecs, and at Islam Headworks 95,000 cusecs.

Meanwhile, flash flood has submerged 138 villages of Multan and 104 villages of Muzaffargarh districts, however all important bridges and embankments were safe.

Marala Headworks at worst

The administration at Marala Headworks was on their toes as they were preparing to make a breach at Head Khanki as the water flow rose to over 600,000 cusecs. A number of villages were evacuated.

Jester on the watch again

Ravi River is again surging at Jester in Narowal where the passage of water was recorded at 82,00 cusecs.

The last village along the river, Faizpur, was one of the worst hit where affectees were waiting for any help from anywhere.

NDMA raises alarm bells

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning of high flooding in the Chenab River as heavy rainfall in the upper catchment regions, combined with water discharge from the dams, has triggered another flood wave moving from Marala towards Khanki Headworks.

The NDMA has advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and follow guidance to mitigate the potential impacts of flooding.

The flood wave in Chenab River is expected to reach Trimmu Headworks on September 8 with a flow of 330,000 cusecs.

Residents near rivers — Khanki, Qadirabad, Trimmu, Panjnad, and Guddu — were urged to evacuate to safer locations.

NDMA has directed local and district administrations to initiate immediate safety and relief measures in flood-prone areas.

Meanwhile, Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia has said that three Indian dams are nearing to their full capacity and water level in Ravi River will also likely to remain high for the next two weeks.

He informed that floodwater has affected 136 villages in Khanewal and 75 villages in Toba Tek Singh. The DG PDMA said over all 3,900 villages and more than 3.7 million people in Punjab have been affected by floods.

Kathia said around 1.4 million people and one million livestock have been shifted to safe places.

PM directs NDMA to ensure preparedness

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the NDMA to complete preparations for rescue and relief operations, considering the rise of water levels in Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej rivers.

PM Shehbaz, who is currently on a visit to China, telephoned NDMA Chairman Lt-General Inam Haider Malik, and directed him to issue early warnings to the public regarding the rising water levels in the said rivers.

He also instructed the Authority to fully cooperate with provincial governments to expedite safety measures and relief operations.

Reporters Amir Dogar, Faran Yameen, Wasim Shahzad, Yasir Arafat

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