Multan( The COW News Digital)A severe flood situation has emerged in southern Punjab as India released additional water into the Chinab River, causing a massive flood surge to enter the Multan Division. Authorities have reported unprecedented water levels and took emergency measures to avert large-scale damage in populated areas.
The Pakistan Ministry of Water Resources issued alerts after receiving information from the Indian High Commission that water had been released from the Akhnoor area. Officials warned that the surge could put immense pressure on Head Marala and the stretch between Head Marala and Head Khanki, threatening surrounding villages in Gujrat and Wazirabad districts.
In a precautionary measure, the district administration detonated the Mahi Saforah Dam at Ravi Head Sindhnai using controlled explosives to reduce water pressure and protect nearby communities. Authorities temporarily closed roads and managed traffic during the controlled demolition to prevent accidents. While this measure helped alleviate pressure on the river, it has also caused thousands of acres of agricultural land to submerge, posing a severe risk to crops and livelihoods.
The flood surge is now spreading through rural areas of Multan Division, inundating dozens of villages. Reports indicate that water levels along Akbar Flood Bund have risen by 3–4 feet, causing damage to homes and forcing residents to move to safer areas. Emergency services, including rescue teams, are actively working with limited resources to evacuate people and mitigate potential losses.
Officials have warned that the situation is worsening by the hour. The administration remains on high alert, continuously monitoring river flows and coordinating with local authorities to prevent further damage. Citizens are being urged to follow government instructions strictly and move to designated safe zones if necessary.
Authorities have also blocked key roads and installed explosives along certain stretches to divert the flow of water deliberately, protecting urban centers such as Multan city from catastrophic flooding. The combination of heavy upstream water releases and local rainfall has intensified the risk, prompting authorities to maintain round-the-clock monitoring and response operations.
The situation highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Pakistan’s riverine communities to cross-border water releases and the urgent need for disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in flood-prone regions.
