Multan, Punjab — September 8, 2025 The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has declared an extremely high flood emergency in Jalalpur Peerwala, prompting a full-scale rescue operation across Multan district. Helicopters, rescue boats, and coordinated teams from the army, police, and civil defense have been mobilized to evacuate residents from submerged villages and low-lying areas.
BBC Urdu reported, “Extremely high flood in Jalalpur Peerwala, efforts to evacuate citizens intensified,” as the situation grows more critical by the hour. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that helicopters have been provided to the district administration for aerial rescues, while 38 additional rescue boats have been dispatched. Currently, 25 boats are operational in Jalalpur Peerwala, 29 in Multan city, and 10 in Shujaabad.
Local resident Muhammad Abbas Advocate, speaking from Fawara Chowk, described scenes of urgency and confusion: “There is so much rush at the moment—people are carrying goods, some are leaving, some are arriving. The administration and police are making announcements for everyone to reach safe places.” Authorities have instructed that mosque loudspeakers be used to alert citizens, warning that floodwaters could enter the city at any time. Social media videos show repeated calls for immediate evacuation.
Tragically, five people lost their lives earlier this week when a rescue boat capsized during operations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep regret over the incident and directed authorities to ensure timely and effective relief measures.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has warned that floodwaters will peak at Guddu Barrage on September 9, with protective measures underway. The PDMA has also issued high flood alerts for the Sutlej, Chenab, and Rudkohi rivers, warning of flash floods in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur from September 8 to 10. Intermittent rains have been reported in Multan and surrounding areas, and breaches in several Chenab River dams have affected dozens of villages. The 10th spell of monsoon rains is expected to bring heavy downpours to most districts of Punjab from September 7 to 9, raising the risk of further flooding.
Head Panjnad Flood Data — Muzaffargarh (08/09/2025, 06:00 AM)
| Location | Gauge (ft) | Discharge (cusecs) |
|---|---|---|
| Upstream | 342.3 | 564,604 |
| Downstream | 341.8 | 564,604 |
- Panjnad Canal: Closed
- Abbassiya Canal: Closed
- Abbassiya Link Canal: Closed
- Status: High Flood
Authorities continue to urge residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate immediately and contact the PDMA helpline 1129 in case of emergency. With another flood wave expected within hours, the situation remains volatile and demands constant vigilance.