Introduction to the Sutlej River
The Sutlej River is one of the major eastern rivers of the Indus River system. It originates near Mount Kailash in Tibet, flows through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab in India, and then enters Pakistan near Kasur. Along its course, several important dams and barrages are built, including the Bhakra Dam and Nangal Dam in India, and the Sulemanki Headworks and Islam Headworks in Pakistan. The river passes through important regions such as Kasur, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Pakpattan, and Bahawalpur, before finally joining the Indus River at Punjnad in southern Punjab.
India Issues High Flood Warning
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources, the Indian High Commission has officially informed Pakistan about a high-level flood situation in the Sutlej River. Authorities in Pakistan have confirmed that heavy flooding is expected at Harike (Lower) and Ferozepur (Lower). The high flood risk is expected to begin from September 1 at 8:00 AM.
The Ministry has issued alerts to all concerned provincial governments and disaster management institutions to prepare in advance.
PDMA Issues Alert for Nine Districts
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned that after India released water into the Sutlej, severe flooding could impact several districts. The high alert covers Kasur, Okara, Bahawalnagar, and Pakpattan, while additional districts including Vehari, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Multan, and Muzaffargarh may also face flood threats.
Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of these districts have been directed to take immediate precautionary and safety measures to minimize damage and ensure evacuation plans where necessary.
Conclusion
The latest flood warning on the Sutlej River highlights the continuing risk of cross-border river management and its direct impact on millions of people in Punjab, Pakistan. Authorities urge residents in the flood-prone areas to stay alert, follow official instructions, and prepare for emergency measures as water levels rise.
Keywords: Sutlej River flood, India Pakistan water, Harike barrage, Ferozepur barrage, PDMA alert, Punjab floods, Punjnad confluence, Indus River system
