Devastating floods in Punjab are now posing a significant threat to Sindh province as the Indus River is predicted to experience extremely high water levels.
The flood has been catastrophic in Punjab, caused by the simultaneous overflow of the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers – an unprecedented event in the country’s history.
Authorities have resorted to controlled breaches of key flood defenses to divert surging waters and protect urban centers from complete inundation.
Thousands have been displaced, and lives have been tragically lost.Dawn’s report highlights the unprecedented nature of the crisis, with all three major rivers overflowing simultaneously for the first time.
To mitigate the impact, authorities breached embankments in areas like Athara Hazari in Jhang district and near the Rivaz Bridge to relieve pressure on Head Trimmu.
Explosives were also used near Rungpur and Sher Shah bunds to divert water away from Head Muhammad Wala.
The resulting displacement has left tens of thousands homeless.The Express Tribune, citing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), warns of an impending high-level flood scenario in Sindh.
The NDMA predicts water flows ranging from 800,000 to 1.1 million cusecs at various barrages along the Indus River between September 5th and 9th.
The cumulative effect could lead to a total flow reaching 1.2 million cusecs, creating an extremely high-level flood situation from September 12th to 13th, impacting riverbed communities and low-lying areas.
The NDMA has warned of potential damage to agricultural lands, settlements, villages, and infrastructure, urging immediate preventive measures. Sindh’s irrigation minister confirmed the high alert status, emphasizing the need to inform riverine communities at least two days in advance.
The situation underscores a cascading crisis, with the initial devastation in Punjab now threatening to overwhelm Sindh.
The combined impact of unprecedented rainfall and the strategic breaching of flood defenses in Punjab has created a dangerous surge of water heading towards Sindh, leaving the province bracing for a potentially catastrophic second wave of flooding.
