Punjab is bracing for a new catastrophic flood wave after India released 800,000 cusecs of water into the Chenab River without prior official intimation. This marks the second such release in a short period, following an earlier release of 900,000 cusecs, severely exacerbating an already dire humanitarian and environmental crisis. The water from the Salal Dam is expected to generate a massive flood wave heading towards Head Marala, threatening communities already struggling with historic water levels.
The province is already in a state of emergency, with its three major rivers—Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej—swollen and dangerous. The flooding has had a devastating impact, submerging thousands of villages, destroying vital standing crops, and killing hundreds of livestock. The human cost is grave, with officials confirming 38 fatalities so far due to flood-related incidents such as house collapses and electrocution.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and other relevant departments are maintaining a round-the-clock vigil. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has declared this the worst flood in Punjab’s history, criticizing previous governments for allowing illegal settlements on riverbanks that worsened the disaster’s impact. The current administration has begun riverbed mapping and secured allocations for dam construction projects in partnership with the Asian Development Bank.
The situation remains critical across the region. Continuous heavy rainfall in cities like Lahore, Jhang, and Multan has left many areas without power and increased water levels on roads, raising fears of disease outbreaks in submerged housing societies. With the Meteorological Department forecasting more rain and India’s water releases ongoing, authorities and citizens remain on high alert, facing a prolonged and devastating natural disaster.
