Lahore, September 1, 2025: Punjab authorities warned Monday that the Sidhnai Headworks embankment may be breached at any time tonight as floodwaters approach Multan, merging with flows from the Ravi River.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said Sidhnai, Pakistan’s oldest headworks, has a capacity of 150,000 cusecs but the situation has become critical. Nearly 17,000 acres are expected to be affected if the embankment is breached.
Kathia described the ongoing ninth spell of monsoon rains as the “worst flooding in Punjab’s history,” with rising water levels in all three major rivers. He reported 14 feet of water recorded at several points in Nullah Lai, warning of possible urban flooding across the province. However, he clarified there is currently no new surge at River Chenab’s Head Marala and no threat to Trimmu Headworks.
The Punjab government and relevant institutions are “fully prepared,” Kathia said, noting that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited Jhang earlier today to review flood-hit areas.
Separately, PDMA Punjab issued a red alert for extremely high flood levels in the Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, and adjoining nullahs. The alert said very high flood threats will persist in Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab until September 5, with Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala expected to remain in high flood.
Heavy rainfall is forecast in the upper catchments until September 3, while the Chenab at Head Trimmu is already experiencing extremely high flood levels. Authorities also warned of urban flooding in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat over the next 72 hours.
Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed said emergency control rooms are operational and all departments—including irrigation, health, agriculture, livestock, and transport—are on high alert. He urged the public to strictly follow precautionary measures.
