Sutlej River Flooding Forces M5 Motorway Closure as Relief Efforts Continue in Punjab

The Sutlej River flooding in Punjab has continued to create widespread disruption, with medium-level floods recorded at Ganda Singh Wala (95,000 cusecs) and Sulemanki Headworks (82,000 cusecs) on Sunday. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), water volumes are expected to reach Jalalpur Pirwala in the coming days, further raising concerns for already affected districts, including Lodhran, Multan, and Bahawalpur.

Rising Water Levels and Flood Impact

Floodwaters breached the Noraja Bhutta embankment, causing inundation across multiple areas and threatening the Multan-Sukkur Motorway (M5). From Jhangra in Bahawalpur to Jalalpur Pirwala in Multan, water levels have disrupted travel and damaged infrastructure.

The M5 motorway has remained closed for nine consecutive days, with six damaged sections forcing diversions via Shah Shams and Uch Sharif interchanges. National Highway Authority (NHA) officials reported that four of six lanes have been damaged at certain points, though they denied a complete washout.

Government and Relief Efforts

Local administrations have deployed heavy machinery to repair dykes, restore link roads, and drain floodwater. Emergency bridges have been constructed, while disinfection campaigns and medical services are being conducted in affected villages.

Punjab Irrigation Minister Kazim Hussain Pirzada confirmed that technical teams are monitoring embankments to prevent further breaches, while Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo urged livestock owners to move cattle to higher ground and ensure access to clean water.

National Rescue and Relief Operations

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that since June 26, over 3.02 million people have been rescued in nearly 5,800 operations across the country, with Punjab accounting for 2.81 million evacuations. Despite the efforts, floods have claimed 1,006 lives, destroyed 12,569 homes, killed 6,509 livestock, and damaged 239 bridges and nearly 2,000 km of roads.

Looking Ahead

While water levels in the Chenab and Ravi rivers have returned to normal, the Sutlej River continues to pose a major challenge in southern Punjab. Authorities are racing against time to strengthen embankments, provide relief to displaced families, and restore critical infrastructure.

The situation underscores the urgent need for long-term flood management strategies in Pakistan, as recurring floods continue to threaten lives, livelihoods, and national infrastructure.

Afsheen Gohar

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