JHANG: A high-level flood in the River Chenab has cut off ground connectivity to several areas of Jhang, leaving vast swathes of the district under water.

According to Deputy Commissioner, more than 260 villages have been submerged, forcing over 322,000 residents to move to safer locations.

Nearly 190,000 acres of land have been damaged, while standing crops on 227,000 acres have been washed away.

Authorities have established 24 flood relief camps across the district, where rescue and relief operations are under way. The deputy commissioner has urged residents of vulnerable areas to evacuate without delay, warning that water levels remain dangerously high.

Read More: Six killed in firing on vehicle in Lower Kurram

Meanwhile, India has notified Pakistan about the release of water into the River Sutlej, raising fears of further flooding downstream.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources, the Indian High Commission formally communicated the development. Authorities have cautioned that a high flood is expected at Harike and Ferozepur downstream points of the Sutlej.

The ministry has also issued an alert for possible flooding in the River Tawi in Jammu, directing departments concerned to remain vigilant.

Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said that rescue teams are continuing evacuations in flood-hit areas as the province grapples with a crisis of unprecedented scale.

She said the provincial government has set up camps offering food, medical assistance, and fodder for livestock. Over 800,000 animals have already been shifted to safer areas, while 1.3 million people have been relocated.

The minister noted that many residents had initially refused to abandon their homes and cattle. “Some children had no shoes when rescued,” she remarked, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis.