LAHORE: Authorities on Tuesday termed the next 24 hours as critical after India released additional water into the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers, raising flood concerns across Punjab’s fertile plains.
Officials warned that the water level in the Chenab River at Trimmu had risen sharply, increasing the flood threat downstream at Muhammad Wala near Multan.
Sources said authorities were considering breaching protective levees to safeguard the Shershah Bridge if water pressure intensified.
At Sidhnai Headworks in Khanewal district, where the Chenab and Ravi converge, inflows in the Ravi stood at 135,550 cusecs, with levels still rising.
The Sutlej River continued to remain in very high flood at Ganda Singh Wala, nearly two weeks after floodwaters first entered the region. With India releasing more water, officials fear the river may witness even higher levels over the next 24 to 36 hours.
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The situation is particularly concerning for downstream localities, where repeated surges have prevented residents from returning to their homes despite earlier evacuations.
District administrations in Jhang, Sahiwal, Toba Tek Singh, Okara and several other cities have been placed on high alert to deal with any eventuality.
Relief agencies have been instructed to remain on standby, while rescue teams are preparing for potential displacement in low-lying settlements along the rivers.
