The Sutlej River water has been continuously rising since yesterday morning and inundating the flood-affected areas in Lodhran, Multan and Bahawalpur.
The water is passing from three to four breaches on the Noraja Bhutta embankment and rising around the Multan-Sukkur Motorway (M5) from Jhangra in the Bahawalpur district to Jalalpur Pirwala tehsil in the Multan district.
As the water level started receding in the Chenab River, the people from the western side of Jalalpur Pirwala had started returning to their villages.
Authorities warned that flooding on the M-5 Motorway could affect four to five more spots if the situation worsens as it has been so far damaged 13 points
The Motorway Police said the motorway remains closed due to the floods.
Travellers from Multan to Sukkur are advised to use alternative routes, with traffic diverted from Shah Shams Interchange onto the National Highway.
From Ooch Sharif Interchange, vehicles can rejoin the M-5, while motorists from Sukkur to Multan can use the National Highway via Ooch Sharif Interchange.
The police added that the Sher Shah Interchange is also open for motorists to re-enter the motorway. Officers are present on-site to guide drivers and ensure safe passage.
The Motorway Police have issued a statement regarding damage near Jalalpur Peerwala that has disrupted travel on the M-5.
A massive new section of the Multan-Sukkur Motorway (M5) was completely washed away near Jalalpur Pirwala.
“This is the second major breach to cripple the M5,” confirmed an Irrigation Department spokesperson. “The new breach is actively widening. Our emergency teams are working around the clock, placing boulders in a desperate attempt to stabilise the ground.”
The scale of the disaster is vast. The Sutlej River has effectively created a 20 to 25km-long inland lake between Gilani Road and the M5 motorway, submerging and damaging the highway along its entire length in the area.
