August 28, 2025 – Severe monsoon rains have pushed the Chenab River to dangerous levels, putting Pakistan’s eastern towns of Chiniot and Hafizabad at risk of catastrophic flooding. Officials warn that if the Qadirabad Barrage gives way under pressure, more than 2.8 million residents could face devastation.
Rising Flood Threat in Punjab
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), water flow through the Qadirabad barrage has exceeded its capacity by nearly 100,000 cusecs. Emergency measures, including the breaching of riverbanks to release excess water, have been taken to reduce pressure.
“It is a crisis situation. The collapse of the barrage could submerge nearby towns,” an NDMA technical expert cautioned.
Impact of India’s Dam Water Release
The flood situation has been worsened by India’s release of excess water from upstream dams. New Delhi issued three flood warnings this week for the Ravi and Sutlej rivers, with excess flows now pouring into Pakistan’s Punjab.
While India says these releases are “humanitarian measures”, Pakistani officials fear they could further strain fragile flood defenses. The issue comes amid already tense India–Pakistan relations following earlier border conflicts.
Human Toll of Monsoon Floods
Since late June, more than 805 people have died in Pakistan due to monsoon-related floods and landslides, while 60 lives have been lost in Indian-administered Kashmir.
In Pakistan, over 210,000 villagers near the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers have already been evacuated to safer areas. In Punjab alone, 12 deaths were reported this week as heavy rains battered multiple districts.
Authorities Urge Calm, but Risks Remain
Provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, speaking from the banks of the swollen Ravi, urged people not to panic:
“As one nation, we will face this challenge together.”
Despite receding water levels in some areas, the Chenab’s flood threat remains serious. Experts warn that the Indus River system, which carries water from northern and eastern tributaries through Sindh before reaching the Arabian Sea, could see further surges if heavy rains continue.
Outlook
Weather forecasters say rainfall is likely to ease in the coming days, offering some relief. However, with 900,000+ cusecs of water already moving through Punjab’s river networks, authorities remain on high alert.
The coming week will be crucial for Chiniot, Hafizabad, and surrounding regions, where millions are praying the Qadirabad Barrage holds strong against one of the worst monsoon flood threats in recent years.
