Can Multan withstand the rising Chenab River’s devastating floodwaters?
Multan, Pakistan, Monday, September 8, 2025 – Multan floods 2025 updates reveal a dire situation as the Chenab River’s rising waters inundate Jalalpur Pirwala, prompting mass evacuations and causing seven deaths, with authorities struggling to protect the city of 500,000.
The Multan floods 2025 updates highlight a humanitarian crisis in Pakistan’s Punjab province, a key agricultural hub. The disaster threatens lives, livestock, and crops, potentially disrupting food security and economies across South Asia, where climate-driven floods are increasingly frequent.
Chenab River Overflows, Submerges Low-Lying Areas
The Multan floods 2025 updates indicate an escalating crisis as the Chenab River, swollen by heavy monsoon rains and upstream dam releases from India, has submerged low-lying areas of Jalalpur Pirwala, a tehsil in Multan district. On Sunday, September 7, 2025, authorities reported that the river’s water levels continued to rise, threatening to engulf the entire city of 500,000 residents. According to Multan City Police Officer Sadiq Ali Dogar, low-lying areas were inundated by Sunday night, with fears of complete submersion. Evacuations have been largely completed, supported by three helicopters—two from the Pakistan Army and one from Askari Civil Aviation.
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has deployed 38 additional rescue boats to Jalalpur Pirwala, with more dispatched to address the worsening situation. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia emphasized a coordinated response involving the Pakistan Army, Rescue 1122, and district administrations to ensure safe evacuations. Over 9,000 people have been rescued in Multan district alone, with 350,000 residents and 300,000 livestock relocated across Punjab.
Tragic Losses in Rescue Efforts
The Multan floods 2025 updates report a tragic incident on Saturday, September 6, 2025, when a Rescue 1122 boat capsized in the Chenab River in Jalalpur Pirwala, killing five people, including four children. Multan Deputy Commissioner Wasim Hamid Sindhu confirmed the deaths, noting that the boat hit a tree and overturned in 15–20 feet deep water due to strong currents. Rescue operations continue to search for others on board. Two additional drownings were reported: one near Head Panjnad on Saturday evening and another in Alipur tehsil, where a man tried to reach his flooded home.
River Flow and Regional Impact
The Multan floods 2025 updates include critical data on river flows. As of 10:30 PM on Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Chenab River recorded a very high flow of 543,579 cusecs at Trimmu Headworks, with steady flows at Marala (89,604 cusecs), Khanki (147,294 cusecs), and Qadirabad (147,039 cusecs). The Ravi River reported high flows at Sidhnai Headworks (120,239 cusecs), while the Sutlej River saw an exceptionally high flow of 319,295 cusecs at G.S. Wala and 609,664 cusecs at Punjnad Headworks. These figures underscore the severe pressure on Multan’s infrastructure.
Authorities have ordered evacuations in downstream cities like Muzaffargarh, Alipur, and Jatoi. A failed attempt to breach a bund to divert water, opposed by villagers, has complicated efforts to protect Multan city. According to a senior official, the water’s trajectory towards urban areas could not be altered, increasing risks to the city.
Weather Forecast Worsens Crisis
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts heavy rainfall across Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan until Tuesday, September 10, 2025, exacerbating the Multan floods 2025 updates. In Punjab, districts including Multan, Khanewal, and Bahawalpur face risks of urban flooding, while Sindh’s coastal areas, including Karachi and Hyderabad, anticipate “exceptionally heavy falls.” Balochistan’s hilly regions risk flash floods and landslides. The Hub Dam’s rising water levels may further strain flood-affected areas.
Background of Multan Floods
Pakistan’s Punjab province, home to 150 million people, is grappling with its worst flooding since 2022, when 30 million were displaced. The Multan floods follow a pattern of climate-driven disasters, with 26.5% more monsoon rain recorded from July 1 to August 27, 2025, compared to last year. India’s release of water from dams like Baglihar and Salal has intensified the crisis, prompting diplomatic alerts. The PDMA reports 46 deaths and 3.9 million affected across Punjab, with 1.8 million displaced.
What’s Next
The Multan floods 2025 updates indicate a critical 48-hour period ahead, with authorities bracing for further rainfall and rising river levels. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed uninterrupted fuel supply to affected areas. Relief efforts, including 90 flood relief camps in Multan, will continue as the region prepares for potential long-term agricultural and economic impacts.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 8th, 2025
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