BAHAWALNAGAR (Kashmir English): At least two persons were killed as the water released into the Sutlej River by India turned catastrophic for Bahawalnagar on Sunday, also submerging thousands of acres of crops, and threatening nearby populations.
The water reached villages, breaching protective embankments and cutting off access to settlements near Baba Farid Bridge and Bhukan Patan.
Over 900 people and hundreds of livestock were relocated to safer areas, according to Rescue 1122.
Standing crops — including cotton, paddy, maize, vegetables, and fodder — were destroyed by the floodwaters, leaving farmers devastated.
High flooding is likely to continue at Ganda Singh Wala point over the next 48 hours, with water levels rising above 21 feet and flow exceeding 130,000 cusecs, increasing the risk of overflow in the Ravi and Chenab rivers.
Local administration has warned that ongoing rains and multiple weather systems could further exacerbate the situation. Arrangements had been made for the rescue and relief to the affected people, officials said though villagers complain of lack of facilities.
There are also reports of flooding into the Tawi River, a tributary of the Chenab River, affecting downstream areas including Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Chiniot, and Jhang.
The official sources reported that overflow from Nullah Dek in Zafarwal, Punjab has inundated villages, submerging thousands of acres of paddy crops and prompting urgent evacuations.
There is medium flood at the Chenab River In Sialkot, with maximum discharge of approximately 1,100,000 cusecs at Head Marala.
The Tawi River is in low flood at Surkhpur Bridge, while Nullah Deg overflowed at Kangra.
The Ravi River remains at low flood levels, and tributaries such as Basantar continue to flow at a normal level.
Flood Forecasting Division
The Flood Forecasting Division and Federal Flood Commission have warned that the Rivers Chenab and Indus are likely to reach high flood levels within 24 hours, while the Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala will continue at high levels for several days, depending on reservoir releases from India.
