Embankments collapsed, flooding vast swathes of land and submerging village after village as the Sutlej River sharply surged at Islam Headworks, and the water level in the Ravi River climbed up to a dangerous level at Kamala on Monday. At Head Islam, water discharge was recorded at 70,000 cusecs, triggering a rapid rise in water levels. Dozens of low-lying villages were inundated, displacing thousands of people. Near Luddan, a temporary protective embankment gave way, leaving more than 35 villages washed away.

Crops of cotton, maize, sesame, and rice over thousands of acres were destroyed, compounding the crisis. Women and children are facing severe hardships as locals scramble to safer ground. Rescue 1122, police, and volunteers remain engaged in emergency relief operations. The flood situation worsened further upstream. At Head Ganda Singh Wala, the Sutlej carried 253,000 cusecs, while Head Sulaimanki recorded 135,000 cusecs, with flows moving downstream toward Head Islam.

Experts have warned that if a larger wave arrives, the situation could turn catastrophic, urging swift scaling-up of relief measures. The Ravi River has also turned perilous. At Kamalia, water flows surged to 185,000 cusecs, submerging multiple villages and devastating crops, including rice and maize. At Renala Khurd, high flood levels caused widespread destruction, cutting off land routes to several settlements, including Thatta Khachi and Thatta Chakar.

The displaced are being shifted to flood relief camps set up by district administrations. Heavy rainfall has intensified the crisis. Farmers lament that fodder for livestock has become scarce. In Narowal, floodwaters damaged a major wheat warehouse after its walls and roof collapsed, spoiling 6,000 wheat sacks and inflicting losses worth millions of rupees.

Sialkot city on high alert as India releases water in Chenab: In Sialkot, authorities declared a high alert from September 1 to 3 amid reports that India released water from the Salal Dam, raising fears of further flooding in the River Chenab. Rescue teams and administration have instructed residents in flood-prone zones to evacuate to safer places. Announcements are being made in mosques across areas near the Chenab River and seasonal nullahs.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)