LAHORE: Large parts of Punjab remain submerged as heavy flooding continues to devastate several districts including Shujabad, Rahim Yar Khan, Ahmadpur East, Rajanpur, and Vehari, leaving hundreds of villages under water.

According to the Federal Flood Commission, the Chenab River at Panjnad Barrage has reached a “very high flood” level, with forecasts warning of an extremely high flood at Guddu Barrage within the next 24 to 48 hours.

In Multan, floodwaters from the Chenab have inundated dozens of villages near Head Muhammad Wala and Sher Shah. In Shujabad and Jalalpur Pirwala, tens of thousands of residents have been displaced.

In Chaachran, hundreds of houses were swept away while thousands of acres of crops and key connecting roads were destroyed. In Sadiqabad, the collapse of the Zamindara Bund at Nabi Shah led to floodwaters entering populated areas.

In Rajanpur’s riverine areas, thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes. The affected regions include Rojhan, Bangla Ichha, Sonmiani, and Kot Mithan. Authorities report that more than 110,000 people and over 100,000 livestock have been relocated to safer zones. Flood relief camps have been set up, and drones are being used to rescue those stranded.

Vehari district has reported severe agricultural damage with more than 76,000 acres of crops submerged. In Rahim Yar Khan, the Indus River is flowing at extremely high flood levels, trapping many villages and households underwater.

Kotri Barrage is currently experiencing low flood levels with a recorded water flow of 271,000 cusecs. At Guddu Barrage, flow has increased to 561,000 cusecs, reaching high flood levels. A slight decrease in inflow has been recorded at Kot Mithan (Rajanpur) and Chaachran Sharif, with water levels dropping to 11.5 feet.

The Chenab River at Head Panjnad is gradually decreasing, while flow at Head Sidhnai on the Ravi River has also reduced. The Sutlej River continues to face medium-level flooding at Ganda Singh Wala and Head Islam, while Head Sulemanki remains under low flood.

In Arifwala, floods from the Sutlej River destroyed crops and homes, triggering food shortages. Many displaced families are waiting to return as water levels recede, hoping for government financial support. In Jalalpur Pirwala, floodwaters entered the city via Uch Sharif Road after a tunnel collapsed, prompting residents to use wood and soil to seal it.

Rescue teams are conducting late-night operations in Uch Sharif and nearby areas. Meanwhile, government authorities are urging residents in vulnerable locations to relocate immediately as more high-level floods are predicted in the coming days.