Monsoon rains caused widespread destruction across Punjab on Monday after three embankments were breached, inundating villages, destroying homes and submerging thousands of acres of farmland, while rising river levels in Punjab and Sindh prompted fresh flood warnings from the authorities. Embankments gave way at the Khohar area on the River Jhelum near Sarai Alamgir, at Nallah Dek near Kalakhatai close to the River Ravi, and along the River Chenab at Katchay Gurna near Pindi Bhattian.

The breaches flooded agricultural land, damaged residential properties and disrupted road links in several areas. In Sarai Alamgir, severe riverbank erosion following the breach at Khohar swept away several kanals of land. Local residents warned that nearby settlements could face increasing danger if urgent protective measures were not taken. Near Kalakhatai, River Ravi's floodwaters engulfed a railway track after the Nallah Dek embankment collapsed. Thousands of acres of rice crops were submerged, while connecting roads disappeared beneath floodwater, leaving residents struggling to move between villages. 

At Katchay Gurna near Pindi Bhattian, intense erosion along the River Chenab washed away several houses and valuable agricultural land. Frightened residents appealed to the authorities for immediate relief operations and stronger flood protection measures. Families living close to the river have begun relocating to safer areas while affected communities have urged the government to construct protective embankments without delay. Floodwater from Nallah Dek also devastated rice fields in the village of Khushhal Pura near Muridke, where crops worth millions of rupees were destroyed across hundreds of acres.

Residents blamed the Irrigation Department for failing to clear drainage channels, claiming that proper maintenance could have prevented the flooding. They called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to investigate the alleged misuse of public funds allocated for drainage works and to provide financial compensation to affected farmers. Meanwhile, water levels continued to rise in the Indus River. At Guddu Barrage in Kashmore, low-level flooding was recorded after inflows increased by 65,699 cusecs within a single day. 

Control room officials said water had been released into the barrage's canal system, including the BS Feeder Canal, Desert Feeder, Ghotki Feeder and RD-109 Canal, to help regulate river levels. Authorities warned that the water level could rise further over the coming hours. The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported low-level flooding at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa on the River Indus. It said flood levels on the River Chenab had eased to the low category, with low-level flooding continuing at Khanki, Qadirabad and Trimmu. 

Water flow remained normal in the Rivers Sutlej and Jhelum, while medium-level flooding was recorded at Sadhnai on the River Ravi. High-level flooding was reported in Nallah Palkhu at Wazirabad, while Nallah Basantar in Narowal remained at a low flood level. In Narowal, residents of Aliabad village voiced concern after monsoon runoff entered the local graveyard, raising fears that graves could be damaged. Local people said rainwater and drainage from surrounding villages was being diverted towards the cemetery because of blockages in a government drain. 

They recalled that nearly 200 graves had collapsed during last year's heavy rains and urged the Punjab government and district administration to implement a long-delayed drainage project. The Pakistan Meteorological Department also forecast thunderstorms and rain in Islamabad later on Monday and predicted further rainfall over the coming days. Temperatures are expected to reach 36°C, with partly cloudy conditions throughout the day. The department advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall, remain cautious in low-lying areas and take measures to protect their livestock.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)