By Ali Raza & Arif Ghias & Imtiaz Hussain & Jamila Achakzai & Khalid Iqbal & Nadeem Shah & Sher Ali
MULTAN/ PESHAWAR/SUKKUR/ISLAMABAD: Monsoon rains and flooding continue to wreak havoc across Pakistan, claiming 22 more lives and injuring 29 others in the past 24 hours, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). In southern Punjab, the flood situation in Multan and Muzaffargarh has entered a critical phase. Authorities fear that the second wave of floodwaters, expected on Tuesday night in the River Chenab, could be more intense and destructive than the first. Also in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the NDMA issued an urgent evacuation alert for residents of low-lying areas in Peshawar -- particularly Warsak Road, Darmangi, and Regi -- as Budhni Nullah reached a high flood level of 16,142 cusecs.
In its latest update, the NDMA reported seven deaths in Punjab, four in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, seven in Azad Kashmir and four in District Naushahro Feroze. Since 26 June, the nationwide death toll has risen to 881, with 1,176 people injured. The floods have damaged 9,206 houses and killed 6,180 livestock animals.
PDMA Punjab Director General Irfan Ali Kathia and Multan Commissioner Amir Karim Khan warned that the flood wave from the Chenab was expected to reach Head Muhammadwala via Trimmu Headworks by Tuesday night. Further pressure at Head Muhammad Wala rose to 409.50 feet -- dangerously close to the critical danger mark of 417.50 feet. Authorities warned that the situation in Multan could become critical and instructed all emergency response teams to remain on high alert for the next four to six hours. All roads leading to the Head Muhammadwala bridge have been closed to traffic. The decision to breach flood dykes will be made after a complete assessment of flood intensity. Emergency evacuations are ongoing. Over 550,000 people and 500,000 livestock have been relocated from flood-affected areas.
The NDMA also reported potential flood threats in low-lying areas due to rising river levels. The River Chenab surged to 54,816 cusecs at Jassar.Ravi rose to 127,719 cusecs at Sidhnai.
In a statement, Kathia warned that the River Tawi could face high flood levels, while the water flow at Marala Headworks had surged by 60,000 cusecs within just one hour. Nala Palkhu, a stream originating from the Tawi River, flows parallel to the Chenab, passing north of Sialkot and Wazirabad before joining the Chenab downstream. He added that Sutlej River was already in high flood, with floodwater affecting areas of Mailsi, Bahawalnagar, and Bahawalpur. At Head Sulemanki, the water discharge has exceeded 150,000 cusecs. The PDMA chief noted that the next 24 hours are crucial for the Mai Safura embankment. He assured that precautionary measures were being taken before any embankment cuts, prioritizing public safety. He said at least 22 villages located near Safoora were being evacuated due to the expected flood, while floodwater from Ravi and Chenab rivers is expected to reach Head Muhammad, where a decision will be made tomorrow based on the situation.
Although water levels in River Chenab at Trimmu Headworks have started to fall, authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Flows in the Sutlej River remain steady, with 167,508 cusecs recorded at Punjnad and 253,068 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala. The NDMA has urged residents living near major rivers to remain vigilant and adhere to local evacuation advisories.
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique visited Multan and reviewed Rescue 1122 efforts and received briefings from local officials. He stressed the need for full evacuation, timely food supplies, and the availability of essential medicines, including snakebite vaccines, in all camps. Drone surveillance is being used to monitor homes and livestock.
In parts of Kamalia and Pirmahal tehsils, life came to a standstill due to flooding from the River Ravi. Roads were damaged, including the Kamalia-Harappa route via the new Ravi Bridge in Mull Fatiana, and the road to Chichawatni connecting Motorways M-3 and M-4. Crops across hundreds of acres were submerged. On Monday, a breach occurred near Khan Da Chak, and by Tuesday, the same road had been damaged at two more points. Locals built makeshift earthen spurs to block floodwaters. The district administration prepared to create a controlled breach at the Mai Safooran spur to protect Sidhnai Headworks. In villages near Talamba in Abdul Hakim tehsil, Khanewal, both homes and crops were inundated.
In another development, Pakistan Army has rescued three people swept away by flash floods in Punjab's Manga Mandi. As part of relief operations, the army has established medical camps in several flood-hit areas, including Sialkot, Narowal, Zafarwal, and Wazirabad. Additionally, the military has set up camps in Patoki, Behram, Tahli, and Ram Garh to provide humanitarian assistance to the flood victims.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed federal and provincial authorities to ensure full cooperation and swift assistance for people affected by recent floods. Chairing a review meeting via video link from Beijing the premier instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and provincial governments to intensify rescue and relief operations. "The evacuation and relocation of families from flood-hit areas must continue without delay," PM Shehbaz stressed, while urging officials to prioritise immediate assistance and rehabilitation efforts. The meeting also briefed the prime minister on the latest situation in Punjab and Sindh, as well as ongoing monitoring of river flows and flood-prone areas.
In another development, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is personally overseeing flood relief operations across the province. Officials briefed her that floods have affected thousands of villages in 32 districts. More than 918,000 people have been evacuated to safety. As many as 90 flood relief camps are operational across Punjab. Over 3,338 rescuers on 806 boats are working across Punjab. Food is being provided to flood victims at relief camps in Dhakar Farm Pakpattan, Fazil Shah Khanewal, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar, Shujaabad, and Kabirwala. Fodder is being delivered for livestock in Burewala and other areas. On CM's orders, tent cities were established in Athara Hazari (Jhang), Kot Khaira, and Government High School Ahmedpur Sial. They are fully equipped with food, shelter, and medical care. As many as 392 medical relief camps have also been set up, with mobile clinics offering free ultrasound, X-rays, and general healthcare. Teams include doctors, lady health visitors, and medical staff working around the clock. Special focus is being given to maternal and child health. In some remote areas, doctors are reaching patients trapped in floodwaters by boat.
During this time, in Tharo Shah, District Naushahro Feroze, four people drowned in the Indus in two separate incidents. The Flood Emergency Monitoring Cell and Irrigation Department reported normal flows at Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri barrages. Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro chaired a high-level meeting at Sukkur Barrage. The minister directed 24/7 monitoring of protective embankments and immediate availability of equipment and staff in case of emergencies. Coordination among all departments was stressed. Commissioner Sukkur Division Abid Salim Qureshi, along with officials from irrigation, livestock, and Rescue 1122 departments, visited Mahesar and Ulra Jagir to review ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
In another development, the European Union extended its condolences over the lives lost due to flash floods and announced emergency assistance worth Rs350 million (EUR 1.05 million).
In a statement, the EU said the support would be delivered through trusted humanitarian partners. Assistance will include life-saving health services, water, sanitation and hygiene support, and cash aid to help vulnerable families meet basic needs. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan during this crisis.