Punjab flood crisis deepens after river embankments collapse in four districts

Monsoon rains caused widespread destruction across Punjab on Monday after three embankments were breached, inundating villages, destroying homes and submerging thousands of acres of farmland, while rising river levels in Punjab and Sindh prompted fresh flood warnings from the authorities.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, floodwaters from the River Chenab have entered several rural settlements in Jhang district, affecting multiple villages and placing a number of communities under threat from rising water levels, while residents have complained that relief assistance has yet to reach the worst-hit areas.

According to local reports, several villages in Jhang have been inundated by floodwater, forcing residents to move to temporary relief camps. Many displaced families expressed anger over the lack of facilities at the camps, claiming that no meaningful relief had arrived during the three days since flooding began.

Affected residents said children were facing hunger and thirst, while livestock owners were being forced to buy fodder themselves and transport it through floodwater to keep their animals alive. They appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take notice of the situation and ensure urgent assistance for flood-hit communities.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a fresh flood alert, warning that water levels at Guddu Barrage on the River Indus could rise to medium-level flooding during the next 24 to 36 hours. The department also said that Sukkur Barrage was expected to reach low-level flood conditions as water levels continued to increase.

The Meteorological Department directed the relevant authorities to closely monitor the situation and ensure that precautionary and protective measures were implemented in time to minimise possible damage.

In Punjab, torrential rain lashed Chunian city and surrounding areas, submerging several low-lying neighbourhoods. The heavy downpour also caused multiple electricity feeders to trip, resulting in the suspension of power supply to affected localities.

Further north, recent rainfall has caused significant damage in the Astore district of Gilgit-Baltistan. Landslides have severely affected the Astore Valley Road and disrupted access to several surrounding areas, creating difficulties for residents and travellers. Authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage and restore road connectivity where possible.

According to the channel, embankments gave way at the Khohar area on the River Jhelum near Sarai Alamgir, at Nallah Dek near Kalakhatai close to the River Ravi, and along the River Chenab at Katchay Gurna near Pindi Bhattian. The breaches flooded agricultural land, damaged residential properties and disrupted road links in several areas.

In Sarai Alamgir, severe riverbank erosion following the breach at Khohar swept away several kanals of land. Local residents warned that nearby settlements could face increasing danger if urgent protective measures were not taken.

Near Kalakhatai, River Ravi's floodwaters engulfed a railway track after the Nallah Dek embankment collapsed. Thousands of acres of rice crops were submerged, while connecting roads disappeared beneath floodwater, leaving residents struggling to move between villages.

At Katchay Gurna near Pindi Bhattian, intense erosion along the River Chenab washed away several houses and valuable agricultural land. Frightened residents appealed to the authorities for immediate relief operations and stronger flood protection measures.

Families living close to the river have begun relocating to safer areas while affected communities have urged the government to construct protective embankments without delay.

Floodwater from Nallah Dek also devastated rice fields in the village of Khushhal Pura near Muridke, where crops worth millions of rupees were destroyed across hundreds of acres. Residents blamed the Irrigation Department for failing to clear drainage channels, claiming that proper maintenance could have prevented the flooding.

They called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to investigate the alleged misuse of public funds allocated for drainage works and to provide financial compensation to affected farmers.

Meanwhile, water levels continued to rise in the Indus River. At Guddu Barrage in Kashmore, low-level flooding was recorded after inflows increased by 65,699 cusecs within a single day.

Control room officials said water had been released into the barrage's canal system, including the BS Feeder Canal, Desert Feeder, Ghotki Feeder and RD-109 Canal, to help regulate river levels. Authorities warned that the water level could rise further over the coming hours.

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported low-level flooding at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa on the River Indus. It said flood levels on the River Chenab had eased to the low category, with low-level flooding continuing at Khanki, Qadirabad and Trimmu.

Water flow remained normal in the Rivers Sutlej and Jhelum, while medium-level flooding was recorded at Sadhnai on the River Ravi. High-level flooding was reported in Nallah Palkhu at Wazirabad, while Nallah Basantar in Narowal remained at a low flood level.

In Narowal, residents of Aliabad village voiced concern after monsoon runoff entered the local graveyard, raising fears that graves could be damaged. Local people said rainwater and drainage from surrounding villages was being diverted towards the cemetery because of blockages in a government drain.

They recalled that nearly 200 graves had collapsed during last year's heavy rains and urged the Punjab government and district administration to implement a long-delayed drainage project.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department also forecast thunderstorms and rain in Islamabad later on Monday and predicted further rainfall over the coming days. Temperatures are expected to reach 36°C, with partly cloudy conditions throughout the day.

The department advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall, remain cautious in low-lying areas and take measures to protect their livestock.

Reporters: Ehtisham Rathore, Malik Nasir Abbas, Zubair Ahmad Kalwar, Agha Mohsin Raza, Ehtisham Kiani, Rimsha Ismail, Ali Ramay, Chaudhry Akhtar Zia, Basharat Khan, Mir Zafarullah Bhutto, Rozina Ali and Waseem Aziz, and Yasir Arafat