Punjab Rivers in Flood: Sutlej Breaches and Ravi Swells as Army Joins Relief

Punjab is on high alert as floodwaters from the Sutlej and Ravi rivers rise dangerously, causing destruction in Bahawalpur and surrounding areas.

In Bahawalpur, two embankments at Dera Bakha were breached by floodwaters from the Sutlej River. The breaches submerged hundreds of acres of farmland, destroying standing crops and severing road links to nearby settlements. Residents in low-lying areas have been forced to evacuate to safer places.

The Ravi River is also swelling after India released 150,000 cusecs of water. Authorities report 60,000 cusecs entering at Jassar, with flows reducing near Lahore but still causing low-level flooding. Villages around Shahdara have been evacuated as a precaution.

The Pakistan Army has deployed troops, engineers, and rescue teams to support evacuations and establish shelters. Army boats and vehicles are helping stranded families, while medical units are providing treatment to the affected.

According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), river inflows across the Indus system are rising sharply, with critical levels recorded at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa. Farmers fear severe crop losses if water levels rise further.

Civil authorities, supported by the Pakistan Army, remain on high alert to protect lives and property as the situation evolves.