Panjnad / Minchinabad / Guddu Barrage: A fresh wave of flooding has caused widespread devastation across Punjab and Sindh, submerging dozens of villages and destroying thousands of acres of standing crops due to overflowing of the Chenab, Sutlej, and Indus Rivers. Breaches in protective embankments and the fast-moving floodwaters have forced ongoing mass evacuations.
The flood surge has hit Panjnad Barrage, where the water flow has exceeded 700,000 cusecs. According to the Irrigation Department, inflow has been recorded at 665,576 cusecs. Alerts have been issued for all riverside communities.
In Laleka area of Minchinabad, two young men drowned after a boat capsized. Their bodies were recovered from Basti Mamoka. Locals protested strongly against the delay in rescue operations and held the concerned authorities responsible for the tragic loss of lives.
In Mouza Dhondo, Shujabad, flooding in the Chenab River broke through protective embankments, submerging over 138 villages. A breach of 80 feet wide in the embankment led to an emergency situation, where three laborers were swept away while attempting to plug the breach—two were rescued, while one is still missing.
In Alipur, Kahror Pacca, Ahmedpur Sharqia, and surrounding areas, sugarcane, cotton, rice, and vegetable crops have been completely submerged. Several villages including Santeka, Yaseenka, Akoka Hattar, and Sahoka have been cut off from nearby towns due to damaged or flooded access roads. Locals are building makeshift embankments on their own to contain the water.
In Alipur Tehsil of Muzaffargarh, a violent clash broke out between two groups over drainage of floodwater. Sticks and batons were used freely. According to police, the dispute arose when one group attempted to divert water from their land into another area.
After causing destruction in Punjab, the flood surge has now entered Sindh. People from the katcha (riverine) areas of Kashmore are being evacuated by boats to safer locations. In Dadu, some residents are refusing to evacuate despite the danger. Authorities have warned of rising water levels in the coming days.
At the Guddu Barrage, moderate flooding has continued for the sixth consecutive day. According to the Irrigation Department, water inflow is recorded at 512,662 cusecs, while outflow is 480,455 cusecs. Several villages along the riverbank have been inundated.
Meanwhile, at the Hub Dam, the water level has risen to 338 feet. In case of further rainfall, the situation could become more critical. Residents living along Hub River and crushing plant owners have been directed to shift their machinery and labor to safer locations.
Federal Minister Dr. Musadik Malik stated that the government is fully alert regarding the flood situation, and all relevant departments have been mobilized.
