BAHAWALNAGAR: Water released by India into the Sutlej River has triggered severe flooding in Bahawalnagar, leaving two people dead, thousands of acres of farmland submerged, and nearby populations at risk.
The surging waters breached protective embankments near Baba Farid Bridge and Bhukan Patan, cutting off several villages. Rescue 1122 reported evacuating 928 people along with hundreds of livestock to safer areas.
Standing crops, including cotton, paddy, maize, vegetables, and fodder, have been washed away, devastating local farmers. Villagers complain that despite official claims of relief measures, aid has not reached the worst-affected areas.
“Our children are hungry, and livestock are dying. The administration only makes visits and promises,” said Kashif, a resident. Another villager, Ismail, alleged that “relief camps exist only on paper,” forcing communities to rely on self-help.
At Ganda Singh Wala, water levels in the Sutlej have risen above 21 feet, with flows exceeding 130,000 cusecs, raising fears of spillover into the Ravi and Chenab rivers in the coming days. The Flood Forecasting Division and Federal Flood Commission have also warned of high flood levels in the Chenab and Indus within 24 hours.
Flooding has additionally been reported in the Tawi River, affecting Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Chiniot, and Jhang. Overflow from Nullah Dek in Zafarwal has inundated paddy fields, while the Chenab at Head Marala is experiencing medium flood conditions with a discharge of nearly 1.1 million cusecs.
Authorities caution that heavy rainfall in the upper catchments of the Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers could worsen flooding until August 27. Flash floods are expected in Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan, while Lahore, Gujranwala, and Rawalpindi face the threat of urban flooding.
Since the start of the monsoon season, 785 people have died across Pakistan, according to the NDMA. Officials say saving lives and property remains the priority, but affected residents continue to decry inadequate relief and assistance.
