WEBDESK: India has released more water into the Sutlej River, raising fears of fresh flooding in Punjab. Officials confirmed that high flood levels have been recorded at several points along the rivers Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab.
According to reports, the Indian High Commission formally informed Pakistani authorities early Monday about the release of water. Downstream of Harike and Ferozepur barrages, flood levels are extremely high.
The situation has worsened in south Punjab, where strong currents from the Chenab have breached embankments in Jallo Pirwala, submerging dozens of villages. Hundreds of families have taken refuge on rooftops as water continues to rise. Emergency has been declared in Jallo Pirwala and Shujabad.
At Head Trimmu, water flow in the Chenab has surged past 543,000 cusecs, while Head Panjnad is facing more than 564,000 cusecs. The Ravi River is also in high flood at Sidhnai, Shahdara and Balloki.
Authorities warned that water pressure is likely to increase further as flows from both the Ravi and Chenab converge near Muzaffargarh and Rangpur. In Jallo Pirwala, 60 villages have already been inundated and officials fear water could soon enter the town.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said PDMA, Rescue 1122 and district teams are actively evacuating residents. She confirmed that most of the population from high-risk areas has already been moved to safer places.
Rescue operations have been stepped up, with 50 boats and five drones deployed to help shift stranded villagers. Officials added that embankments near the city are under severe pressure and could break at any time.
Read more: Indus water flow crosses 400,000 cusecs at Guddu Barrage
