Lahore, August 31, 2025: Authorities in Punjab are bracing for another massive flood wave after India opened all gates of the Salal Dam, releasing a flow of 800,000 cusecs into Pakistan.
According to Punjab government sources, the flood surge is expected to reach Head Marala within the next two days. In Gujranwala, the district administration said it had received official intimation of the incoming waters and had begun making announcements in villages along the Chenab River, urging residents to prepare. Preparations for emergency response are underway.
Meanwhile, the Sutlej River continues to wreak havoc. At Bahawalpur, seven protective embankments broke near Tehsil Sadar Basti Yusuf and Ahmed Wala Khoh, submerging thousands of acres of crops. Evacuation of residents and livestock to safer areas by boats is ongoing.
Rescue operations are also active in Jhang, where several villagers in Jangran have been trapped by floodwaters of the Chenab. Teams are working to bring stranded residents to safety.
In Muzaffargarh, water levels in the Chenab continue to rise steadily. However, officials said many residents have still not shifted to relief camps despite repeated warnings.
In Arifwala, a wedding procession was caught in floodwaters of the Sutlej. According to rescue officials, the incident occurred in Bilara Arjunka, where the bridegroom and wedding guests were trapped. Rescue teams managed to evacuate the entire procession safely.
Authorities across Punjab have intensified relief efforts, warning that the situation may worsen as the new flood wave moves downstream over the coming days.
