India has released more water into the Sutlej River, triggering a flood alert across Punjab and forcing authorities to begin mass evacuations. The Ministry of Water Resources confirmed that New Delhi informed Islamabad through diplomatic channels before releasing the additional water.
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Floodwaters are now threatening Harike, Ferozepur, and southern Punjab districts. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has warned of high-level flooding, while civil administration, the Pakistan Army, and emergency teams have been deployed to protect lives and property.
In Multan, officials are preparing a controlled breach at the Sher Shah embankment to divert rising waters of the Chenab River. Flows of over 540,000 cusecs are expected, with road and rail traffic being suspended in vulnerable areas to ensure safety.
According to the Planning Commission, more than 4,300 villages have been affected nationwide, impacting 4.2 million people. Over 2.1 million have already been relocated. Punjab has reported 216 deaths, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Islamabad have also recorded significant casualties and property losses. Roads, bridges, and homes across the country have suffered severe damage.
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Rescue efforts remain underway. Rescue 1122 teams evacuated more than 2,300 people in Multan within the last 24 hours, adding to a total of nearly 11,000 rescued so far. Boats and drones are being used to reach stranded communities, but tragic incidents continue, including drownings in Rahim Yar Khan and Jalalpur Pirwala.
