Villages inundated as Chenab, Sutlej face high floods

ISLAMABAD: India has released another wave of floodwater into Pakistani rivers, intensifying devastation in Punjab with several villages inundated and raising alarms across Sindh.

Rivers Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab are in high flood, submerging villages, damaging crops, and breaching embankments.

According to the Flood Forecasting Division, water flow at Head Ganda Singh Wala has surged to 353,825 cusecs, while Head Sulemanki is receiving 132,916 cusecs. At Jamlera near Burewala, the flow has climbed to 160,000 cusecs. Head Islam is recording 103,465 cusecs, and Mailsi Syphon 93,343 cusecs.

In Chiniot, River Chenab swelled to 448,000 cusecs, officially declared high flood. River Ravi also witnessed dangerous levels, with 157,000 cusecs at Head Balloki. Authorities have warned of further surges in the next 48 hours, especially at Chachran, where 800,000 to 900,000 cusecs are expected.

Dozens of villages in Rahim Yar Khan, Alipur, Ahmedpur Sharqia, and Muzaffargarh have been inundated. More than 2,000 houses were swept away in Sher Shah, while hundreds of acres of standing crops are under water. Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed 51 deaths so far due to the floods.

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In Sindh, Guddu Barrage is facing heavy inflows, with 357,196 cusecs recorded upstream and 337,746 cusecs discharged downstream. Sukkur and Kotri barrages are also reporting rising levels, prompting authorities to place district administrations on high alert.

Pakistan Army has launched extensive rescue and relief operations in flood-hit Punjab districts, including Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, and Shakargarh. Thousands have been evacuated to safer places, while relief camps are providing food, medical assistance, and shelter.

Officials said the situation remains precarious as India continues to release additional water, worsening flood levels in downstream areas. Authorities have urged residents of low-lying regions to evacuate immediately and cooperate with rescue teams.

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