Floodwaters have hit another large area of Multan as dozens of villages in Shujaabad tehsil went underwater on Friday. A powerful flood wave struck the region after an 80-foot-wide breach appeared in the Dhondu flood embankment. As the water surged, nearby villages flooded quickly, and panic spread among residents. People rushed to safety, many climbing onto embankments for shelter as their homes disappeared underwater.
The river Chenab, after damaging Jalalpur Pirwala, has now turned toward Shujaabad. Its rising water levels caused the embankment near Dhondu village to collapse. Now, the floodwater is moving closer to Shujaabad city. In response, local authorities are working to strengthen the Bakhto Wah Canal, which is only two kilometers from the city. This is the last major barrier protecting the area from a full-blown urban flood.
Many villages have already gone underwater. These include Dhondu, Gardezpur, Khanpur Qazian, Mochipura, Soman, Khairpur, and Rukan Hatti. Families have lost homes, livestock, and crops. Relief efforts are ongoing, but residents complain of delays and poor coordination. Fear and frustration are growing among those stranded or displaced by the floodwaters.
Senior officials have reached the affected area to supervise emergency operations. Punjab’s senior minister Maryam Aurangzeb and Federal Minister Rana Qasim Noon visited the site. They reviewed the condition of the embankments and assured people of government support. Meanwhile, workers are racing to plug the breach and prevent water from entering the city.
The situation remains critical. Authorities have warned that if the Bakhto Wah Canal is breached, floodwater could reach Shujaabad city. With more rain expected and rivers still swollen, the next few days will be crucial. Residents are being urged to stay alert and follow evacuation guidelines if needed.