Torrential rainfall has caused severe devastation in Gujrat, submerging several villages and triggering urban flooding that inundated key government buildings, including the district jail and sessions court. A staggering 577 millimetres of rain was recorded in the district within a 24-hour period, causing rainwater drains to overflow and damage extensive areas of crops. The crisis forced authorities to transfer several prisoners to jails in Lahore and Gujranwala for their safety.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has raised alarms over dangerously high water levels surging through Punjab’s major river systems. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that rescue efforts in Gujrat are challenging and highlighted that the next 24 hours are critical for Multan. The unprecedented water flows are a result of both heavy monsoon rains and water discharges from India, amplifying the threat of large-scale flooding downstream.
The PDMA provided a detailed and alarming update on river flows at key headworks. The River Chenab is experiencing extreme pressure with Marala at 247,000 cusecs and Khanki at 526,000 cusecs. The River Ravi is also flowing at high volumes, with Balloki Headworks discharging 121,600 cusecs and Sidhnai at nearly 140,000 cusecs. Significant inflows are also recorded in the River Sutlej, with Ganda Singh Wala reporting 319,295 cusecs.
This flood event has already had a tragic national impact, claiming nearly 900 lives across Pakistan since late June and causing extensive damage to infrastructure and property. With vast areas of Punjab submerged, the province of Sindh is now on high alert, preparing for a potential “super flood” as the massive volume of water from these swollen rivers is expected to reach the region in the coming days.
