Lahore( Khyber Point)Authorities have declared the next 48 hours critical in Multan as heavy floodwaters continue to move downstream toward Panjnad, raising concerns about potential devastation across southern Punjab. The warning was issued by Irfan Kathia, Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, during an urgent briefing on Tuesday.
According to PDMA figures, the Sutlej River is currently carrying 319,000 cusecs of water, while other barrages are under mounting pressure. At Sulaimanki Headworks, the flow has reached 165,000 cusecs, while Head Islam recorded 120,000 cusecs. Additionally, 220,000 cusecs are passing through Balloki Barrage, posing a serious threat to nearby low-lying areas.
Kathia stressed that residents must adopt precautionary measures immediately to avoid large-scale disruption. “These are decisive hours for Multan and adjoining districts. We are closely monitoring water levels and advising the public to remain vigilant,” he said.
In a desperate bid to ease pressure on embankments, the Mai Safuran dyke was deliberately breached, causing floodwaters to spill into several villages of Toba Tek Singh and Kabirwala. The move has displaced hundreds of families, with reports of stranded residents awaiting evacuation. Authorities have acknowledged the hardships but defended the decision as necessary to protect larger populations further downstream.
The unfolding situation has already disrupted daily life, with villagers reporting inundated farmlands, damaged homes, and blocked roads. Relief efforts are underway, but officials warn that the next two days will be decisive in determining whether Multan escapes the worst of the flooding.
The PDMA has appealed to citizens to cooperate with rescue teams, avoid risky areas, and follow official safety advisories to minimize losses as the flood surge continues its course.
