The flow of water in the Indus River at Guddu Barrage has surged to 512,665 cusecs, causing a medium-level flood that has inundated several villages along the Sindh–Punjab border. Floodwaters have cut off many areas. According to the Control Room, water levels at Guddu Barrage will continue to rise over the next 24 hours. Currently, inflow at Guddu is recorded at 512,662 cusecs, while outflow stands at 480,455 cusecs.

The rising waters have submerged sugarcane, cotton, rice, and vegetable fields in riverine tracts, while severe erosion has been reported in Kashmore, putting immense pressure on protective embankments. In Uch Sharif, floodwaters from the Sutlej and Chenab rivers have submerged dozens of villages, including Mauza Gumani. Entire communities such as Basti Mastoi, Basti Kalha, Basti Gumani, and Basti Phuleli have been devastated.

Victims say many people remain trapped in the flood-hit areas, while others are stranded under the open sky without any government assistance. On the bank of the Chenab River, floodwaters have swallowed homes and crops in Sahmal village of Bhawana, Chiniot. Victims complain that no tents or shelters have been provided by the administration, forcing families to spend cold nights under the open sky with their children.

The Ravi River continues to wreak havoc with a low-level flood at Shakargarh, where erosion threatens the Dera Noor Malik embankment. Locals have demanded urgent protective measures. In Kabirwala, floodwaters have submerged the new building of Haveli Koranga Police Station. With five to six feet of water inside, records are at risk of being destroyed, and prisoners have been shifted to Abdul Hakim Police Station. In the Rahim Yar Khan district, floodwaters have wreaked havoc in Khanpur’s Chachran Sharif area.

As a precaution, the Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) has cut power supply to 72 villages. MEPCO’s Executive Engineer Iqbal Bhutto stated that power will be restored once floodwaters recede. In nearby Taranda Muhammad Panah, Jando Daya village in Mallah settlement has been completely submerged. Alongside humans, animals face severe food shortages. Families with women and children have taken refuge on protective embankments, awaiting help that has yet to arrive.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)