Flood in Sutlej inundates Burewala, Vehari villages

BUREWALA: Medium flood in Sutlej River at Head Islam has submerged vast areas of Burewala and Vehari, breaching protective embankments and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.

Officials warn the situation could intensify into a high flood as inflows continue to rise due to monsoon rains. In Burewala tehsil, floodwater swept through Farooqabad, Sahuka, Jamlera, Mauza Bhattian, Basti Mochian, Gahi Shah, Doona, Palit Pura, Dhadian and Sheikhawala. Hundreds of acres of standing crops, including cotton, rice and fodder, have been destroyed, leaving farmers in distress at the peak of the growing season.

Vehari tehsil has suffered equally severe damage, with floodwater entering Mero Baloch, Jatira, Noon and Saldira. The residents reported water rushing into homes, trapping families and livestock without food or shelter. “We are confined in our houses with our cattle. Fodder has run out, and relief has yet to reach us,” a flood victim told reporters. The public concerns are mounting that river flows could climb to 100,000 cusecs, creating a potential high-flood situation. Many locals criticised the authorities for inadequate preparations, saying existing arrangements were “grossly insufficient” to cope with the looming crisis.

Relief and rescue operations are under way, but the victims have complained of shortages of boats, tents, and food. The district administration has repeatedly urged the residents of low-lying areas to evacuate immediately along with their livestock.

At Ganda Singh Wala (Kasur), discharge surged to 108,049 cusecs with a gauge reading of 20.40 feet, signaling heightened risk across the Sutlej belt. At Head Sulemanki, inflow was measured at 68,318 cusecs and outflow at 57,206 cusecs where a low flood remains steady. At Head Islam, inflow stood at 42,618 cusecs and outflow at 40,518 cusecs, described as normal by officials. At the Mailsi Siphon, both inflow and outflow were recorded at 37,859 cusecs, showing stable conditions.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a flood alert, warning that two new spells of heavy monsoon rains could worsen the crisis over the next 24 to 48 hours. Emergency teams have been deployed to reinforce embankments while local administrations have been directed to remain on high alert and prepare for possible large-scale evacuations.

The floods add to a recurring pattern of Sutlej River disasters that continue to devastate southern Punjab. Locals have once again demanded permanent embankments and stronger disaster management infrastructure to prevent repeated losses of lives, crops and properties.