Lahore: The Director General of Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, has warned that the next four to six hours will be of critical importance if water levels continue to rise at Head Sagnai, one of the key points in Punjab’s flood monitoring system.

Flood Briefing in Lahore

Speaking at a media briefing in Lahore, the PDMA chief highlighted the seriousness of the ongoing flood situation in southern Punjab. He confirmed that floodwaters have already entered Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar districts, causing distress to thousands of families. He further noted that a major flood wave is expected to reach Panjnad by September 5, after which the surge will enter Sindh between September 6 and 7.

Sutlej River and Head Sagnai Concerns

Kathia explained that the situation in Punjab’s rivers remains volatile. The Sutlej River is already showing signs of a high flood, while the Head Sagnai point is being closely monitored. If water levels rise further at Head Sagnai, there is a strong possibility that Pir Mahal and Khanewal districts will face flooding.

“The next four to six hours will be decisive,” Kathia said, adding that if the situation escalates, tough emergency decisions will be enforced without delay. These may include forced evacuations, redirection of floodwaters, and suspension of certain services in vulnerable areas.

Chenab’s Flood Wave Reaching Multan

The PDMA chief also informed the media that the flood surge from the Chenab River will reach Multan tonight via Head Trimmu. In preparation, traffic has already been suspended at Head Muhammadwala Bridge near Multan to avoid accidents and ensure public safety.

He did not rule out the possibility of controlled breaches in embankments if required to divert water away from major urban populations. This measure, though drastic, is often used to protect cities and densely populated areas by diverting water into rural tracts.

Scale of the Damage So Far

In a sobering assessment, Kathia revealed that the floods have already affected 3,243 villages and settlements across Punjab. The human toll is equally concerning, with over 2.45 million people impacted by the disaster. Many of these residents have lost homes, farmland, and livestock, while others remain stranded in partially submerged villages.

Relief efforts are underway, but the scale of devastation continues to grow. Emergency shelters have been set up, and medical teams are deployed, but authorities admit that resources are stretched thin as new floodwaters continue to inundate fresh areas daily.

The Days Ahead

According to PDMA’s projections, the real test will come once the Panjnad barrage receives the combined flows of the Chenab, Sutlej, and other rivers. This confluence is expected to create a powerful flood wave that will head into Sindh in the coming days. Authorities in Sindh have already been alerted to prepare for the incoming surge.

Kathia emphasized that the disaster management system is on full alert, but public cooperation will be critical. He urged citizens to heed official warnings, evacuate when asked, and avoid risky behaviors such as crossing flooded roads or returning prematurely to inundated homes.

Conclusion

With rivers swelling, dams filled, and millions already affected, Punjab faces one of its most severe flood challenges in recent years. The situation at Head Sagnai in particular has emerged as a decisive factor. If water levels rise sharply in the coming hours, the flood crisis could worsen significantly, placing more districts at risk.

As Irfan Ali Kathia warned, the next 4 to 6 hours will not only determine the fate of Pir Mahal and Khanewal but will also set the tone for how Punjab and Sindh brace for the days ahead.