Floods Ravage Punjab as Sutlej River Swells

Heavy flooding has hit Chishtian after a dangerous rise in the Sutlej River. Six protective embankments collapsed due to fast-flowing water. The breaks left more than 300 villages under water. Over 7,000 acres of standing crops have already been destroyed.

Local farmers are fighting back with limited resources. They built an eight-kilometre-long embankment on their own. Farmers described it as their final shield. If the embankment breaks, more than 20,000 houses will face destruction. The community remains in constant fear.

Meanwhile, rescue teams have struggled to reach many flooded villages. Strong currents continue to block access to remote areas. Authorities confirmed that 5,000 people and livestock have been shifted to safer places. However, thousands remain trapped without aid.

Elsewhere in Punjab, the situation is worsening. In Gujrat, floodwater has submerged large areas of farmland. Villagers are rescuing their animals without official help. However, water levels in the Chenab River are slowly receding. Rescue operations have already begun with daylight support.

In Bahawalnagar, the Sutlej River continues to rise dangerously. Authorities issued a fresh flood alert for low-lying areas. At Head Ganda Singh, water inflow reached 261,000 cusecs, marking a very high flood. At Head Sulemanki, inflow touched 109,000 cusecs, causing a medium-level flood.

Floods have also threatened key bridges in Bahawalnagar. Rising water levels under Baba Farid Bridge and Bhukkan Pattan Bridge have alarmed residents. Over 105 villages are now affected. Around 150,000 people in the river belt are at risk. Thousands are already displaced.

More than 90,000 people are moving to safer locations on their own. Rapid currents have also broken temporary barriers. Crops and homes have been swept away in several places. The destruction has left rural communities helpless. Urgent relief is now needed to prevent further tragedy.