Punjab is facing one of its worst flood emergencies in recent years, with authorities warning of a critical flood threat at Sher Shah Bridge in Multan.

The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has confirmed that the danger level at the bridge has already been crossed, sparking fears that as many as 35 villages could be inundated if the structure is breached.

“May God not make us breach the bridge and let the water pass naturally. But in case of breaching, up to 24–35 villages could be affected,” PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia told reporters in Lahore. Vulnerable areas include Sher Shah, Akbar Pul, and Mirzapur, which are now on high alert.

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Kathia revealed that India had issued a warning about rising water from the Harike barrage, which was promptly shared with all relevant authorities. He said the Chenab and Ravi rivers were carrying heavy inflows toward Multan, while districts like Mandi Bahauddin and Jhang also face looming flood risks.

At Head Muhammad Wala in Multan, the situation is currently under control with technical experts deployed on-site. However, the Ravi River at Head Sidhnai remains a concern, where only a small decrease of 130,000 to 135,000 cusecs has been observed. Officials fear that a backwater effect could worsen the situation if Safooran Dam operations intensify.

The critical flood threat has already devastated communities across Punjab. According to Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed, floods have claimed 46 lives and affected more than 3.875 million people. Rescue teams have evacuated and shifted 1.8 million trapped individuals to safer places.

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So far, over 3,951 villages have been impacted. Authorities have set up 410 relief camps and 444 medical camps to assist flood victims, along with 395 veterinary clinics to care for livestock. Nearly 1.322 million animals have been rescued, as the army and rescue teams continue round-the-clock operations.

Relief officials also warned of rising dam levels. Mangla Dam is now 87% full, while Tarbela has already reached 100% capacity. On the Indian side, Bhakra Dam stands at 84%, Pong Dam at 98%, and Thein Dam at 92%. With fresh monsoon rains expected in several Punjab districts over the next 24 hours, water inflows are likely to increase further.

Punjab’s Relief Commissioner assured that the provincial government, under the Chief Minister’s directions, will compensate citizens for their losses. Farmers, in particular, will receive priority in financial assistance, with surveys already underway to assess crop and livestock damages.