Multan Holds Its Breath: Swollen Rivers Threaten Catastrophic Deluge

Multan, Pakistan – A palpable sense of dread hangs over Multan and its surrounding districts as the mighty Chenab and Sutlej rivers swell to alarming levels, rekindling fears of a catastrophic flood. Authorities have sounded a high alert, urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate as the region braces for an impending deluge that could rival past devastations.

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued dire warnings for Multan, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur, and Lodhran, anticipating a significant flood wave from the Chenab River.

According to the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) in Lahore, the water discharge at Head Marala barrage has already surged past 230,000 cusecs. This formidable volume is expected to reach the Khanki barrage within the next 24 to 36 hours, where it could further intensify, creating a medium-to-high flood situation at Trimmu Head.

The situation is equally precarious along the Sutlej River.

While the FFD initially projected a medium-level flood at Islam Head from India, the latest data reveals a 'medium flood' classification for Islam Head, with discharge levels at 70,000 cusecs. This dual threat from both major rivers significantly compounds the risk for the Multan division.

In response to the escalating crisis, the district administration has mobilised an extensive relief operation.

Deputy Commissioner Rizwan Qadeer, who also serves as the chairperson of the DDMA, confirmed that a network of 41 relief camps has been swiftly established across the region. These camps are equipped with essential supplies, including food, clean water, and medical aid, ready to shelter displaced families.

Furthermore, the district administration has deployed heavy machinery, including dumpers, dozers, and boats, positioning them strategically for emergency response and rescue operations.

Evacuation efforts are underway in vulnerable communities situated along the riverbanks. Villagers are being urged to move themselves and their livestock to safer, elevated grounds.

The potential economic impact is staggering; vast swathes of fertile agricultural land, critical for cotton, rice, and sugarcane crops, lie directly in the path of the floodwaters. Farmers face the grim prospect of losing their entire season's yield, a blow that could cripple local economies.

History casts a long shadow over Multan's current predicament.

The region has endured severe flooding in 1988, 2014, and most recently in 2022. The memories of these past disasters serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of the swollen rivers and underscore the urgency of current preparedness efforts. Authorities are meticulously monitoring water levels and flow patterns, providing continuous updates to the public to ensure maximum awareness and response time.

The coming days will be critical.

As the enormous volume of water from the northern reaches makes its way downstream, Multan holds its breath, hoping that the preparatory measures will be enough to avert a humanitarian and economic catastrophe.