India Contacts Pakistan Amid Sutlej Flood Alert, Heavy Rains Loom

• News By : Web Desk
• 2025-09-01 06:31:25

LAHORE: 01.09.2025: The Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan has reached out to Pakistani authorities following warnings of severe flooding in the Sutlej River, officials confirmed on Monday.

The move came as Punjab faces one of its worst flood threats in years, with rivers Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi swelling dangerously due to water releases and heavy rainfall.

According to the Joint Commissioner for Indus Waters, large water inflows from India’s Harike and Ferozepur barrages are expected to enter Pakistan, raising the risk of major flooding. Indian officials have been formally briefed, while Pakistan’s four provincial chief secretaries have been alerted.

At Head Trimmu, the Chenab River reached 479,000 cusecs, prompting traffic closures and emergency response escalation. The flow may rise to 700,000 cusecs, threatening areas including Jhang, Multan, and Muzaffargarh.

So far, at least 33 people have died and over 2 million affected across Punjab. Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed confirmed ongoing evacuations and the deployment of 506 relief camps and 352 medical camps across affected zones.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rains in Sutlej and Ravi catchments from September 1–3, potentially worsening the crisis. Rescue and relief operations are in full swing, with authorities warning that the situation remains critical.

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