Historic Flood at Head Khanki: Over 1 Million Cusecs Flow, Authorities Prepare to Breach Riverbanks at Qadirabad

Wazirabad: For the first time in history, a massive flood of **1,001,480 cusecs** is passing through **Head Khanki** on the River Chenab — significantly exceeding the headworks’ designed capacity of **800,000 cusecs**.

According to the **National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)**, the extreme flood poses a serious risk to the hydrological structure of the headworks. On the directions of the **Prime Minister**, NDMA is supervising all rescue operations. Citizens are urged to ensure safety measures, follow local administration’s instructions, and avoid unnecessary travel in flood-affected areas.

The previous record high at Head Khanki was in **2014**, when **948,000 cusecs** flowed through.

Irrigation Department officials report that the current flood wave is expected to reach **Head Qadirabad** — located downstream — within six hours. However, the headworks there has a maximum capacity of **900,000 cusecs**.

The **Commissioner of Gujranwala** stated that preparations have been made in advance at Qadirabad, including plans to **intentionally breach the riverbank** before the water level reaches critical limits. The breach is aimed at managing flow and reducing pressure on the headworks to minimize infrastructure damage and downstream flooding.

Qadirabad is located between **Hafizabad** and **Mandi Bahauddin** districts. Deputy Commissioners of both areas have been directed to evacuate nearby villages urgently.

Meanwhile, the water flow at **Head Marala** has decreased to **611,000 cusecs**, down from a previous level of **900,000 cusecs**, due to reduced inflow from India.

Handling this unprecedented **1 million cusec flood** remains a major challenge for the administration, which is currently mobilizing all resources to minimize potential damage at Qadirabad and safeguard the surrounding regions.