Lahore – The Director General of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, has issued a critical warning that the next four to six hours will prove decisive if water levels continue to rise at Head Sagnai.
Flood Situation Briefing in Lahore
Speaking at a media briefing in Lahore, Kathia explained that the floodwaters have already entered Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar, causing serious challenges for residents and local administrations. He noted that a major flood wave is expected to reach Panjnad by September 5. From there, the surge will likely move into Sindh on September 6 or 7, carrying with it the risk of extensive flooding downstream.
Threat to Sutlej, Pir Mahal, and Khanewal
Kathia emphasized that Punjab’s rivers are still under extreme stress, with flood levels rising dangerously in the Sutlej River. He highlighted that if water levels at Head Sagnai increase further, the areas of Pir Mahal and Khanewal may be badly affected.
“The next four to six hours are extremely important. If the situation worsens, emergency decisions already planned will be implemented immediately,” Kathia stated, underscoring the need for vigilance.
Chenab River Flood Wave Approaching Multan
The PDMA chief confirmed that the Chenab River flood wave is expected to reach Multan tonight via Head Trimmu. In preparation, all traffic has been suspended at Head Muhammadwala Bridge near Multan to avoid accidents and keep routes clear for emergency operations.
He also revealed that authorities may be forced to breach embankments deliberately if necessary to divert floodwaters away from densely populated urban areas. This controlled measure, while damaging to rural tracts, is often considered essential to protect large cities from catastrophic flooding.
Devastation So Far
Kathia painted a grim picture of the destruction already caused. He disclosed that 3,243 villages and settlements have been hit by the floods so far. The human impact has been staggering, with 2,452,185 people affected across Punjab. Families have been displaced, agricultural lands submerged, and essential infrastructure damaged.
Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, with the provincial disaster management teams working alongside local administrations to evacuate families and provide temporary shelters. Food supplies, clean water, and medical assistance are being distributed, though authorities admit that the scale of the crisis is overwhelming.
Outlook for the Coming Days
The Panjnad barrage will be the next critical point, as it is expected to receive the combined flood surge from multiple rivers, including the Sutlej and Chenab. This confluence will significantly increase water pressure before the flow enters Sindh, posing challenges for both Punjab and Sindh authorities.
Kathia stressed that flood control and disaster management teams are fully mobilized, but he appealed to the public to cooperate with official instructions, especially when evacuation orders are issued. “People must not risk their lives by refusing to leave dangerous areas,” he warned.
Conclusion
Punjab remains on high alert as floodwaters continue to rise. With millions already affected and thousands of villages inundated, the province is facing one of its most serious flood crises in recent memory. The next six hours at Head Sagnai will be crucial in determining whether the situation stabilizes or escalates further, potentially leading to wider devastation.
