LAHORE (Pakistan Post Canada) – The floodwaters advancing from South Punjab have begun wreaking havoc in Sindh, submerging hundreds of villages in the riverine (Kacha) areas and threatening protective embankments along the Indus River.
At Kotri Barrage, a low-level flood persists, while the Moria Loop Bund and Barro Patan near Naudero are under immense pressure. Water has begun entering nearby fields, destroying crops. In Ghotki, rising water has inundated several villages, while in Ubauro and Qadirpur, dozens of Kacha areas are underwater. Livestock and belongings are being shifted to safer locations as cotton and sugarcane fields are submerged.
Punjab’s Struggle Continues
Despite a decline in water levels, Punjab remains in crisis.
- In Shujaabad, a man drowned while trying to rescue livestock.
- In Chishtian, floods from the Sutlej River submerged 47 villages, damaging sugarcane, rice, maize, and sesame crops on 48,183 acres.
- Chachran and Uch Sharif have seen dozens of villages submerged, road links cut, and thousands displaced. Private boat owners are charging up to Rs40,000 for transportation.
- In Ali Pur, homes, infrastructure, and crops on thousands of acres have been washed away.
- In Minchanabad, 67 villages have been devastated, leaving 56,374 people affected across a 76-kilometer belt.
Residents in multiple districts have appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to visit the affected areas.
Rain Forecast for Punjab
The 11th monsoon spell is expected from September 16–19, with heavy rains forecast for Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Gujrat, and Sialkot. Other districts, including Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, and Mianwali, are also likely to receive rainfall.
Dam Levels and River Flow
Federal Minister for Water Resources Moeen Wattoo said Tarbela Dam has reached full capacity since August 27, while Mangla Dam is 95% full.
- Guddu Barrage is facing a high-level flood, with inflow at 635,759 cusecs.
- Sukkur Barrage is under moderate flood conditions.
- Kotri Barrage remains at a low-level flood.
- At Chashma Barrage, inflow dropped to 168,200 cusecs with outflow at 160,100 cusecs.
Floodwaters continue to endanger lives, crops, and infrastructure, with both Sindh and Punjab bracing for further devastation in the coming days.
