Punjab floods have reached alarming levels, marking the worst deluge in almost four decades. The crisis intensified after India released water into rivers, combined with heavy monsoon rains across the province.
According to Punjab PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, the disaster has already claimed at least 20 lives, mostly due to drowning.
Updated Losses from Punjab Floods
-
Nearly 1,839 houses have been damaged.
-
More than 1.46 million people have been affected.
-
Authorities have established 474 flood relief camps.
-
A total of 351 medical camps and 300 veterinary camps are functional.
-
Over 467,000 people have been evacuated to safe areas.
-
More than 346,000 animals have also been rescued.
-
Floods have caused 25 deaths overall.
-
At least three buildings have been reported damaged.
In Jhang, a massive flood surge has entered the River Chenab, forcing the district administration to declare a high alert. In Tehsil Athara Hazari, loudspeaker announcements are warning traders near protective embankments to shut shops and evacuate. Officials reminded locals that during the 2014 flood disaster, embankments had to be breached to release pressure.
Ravi River Under Severe Stress
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority reported that River Ravi is under extremely high flood conditions. At Ravi Siphon, the water discharge has reached 202,428 cusecs. At Shahdara, the flow is 201,400 cusecs. Both points remain under strict monitoring as the rising water threatens surrounding low-lying areas.
Officials have warned that if the Chenab flood levels rise further, authorities may be forced to breach protective bunds once again. Deputy Commissioner Jhang confirmed that both shopkeepers and residents are being notified and precautionary measures are in place to protect lives.
In Multan, the administration has decided to breach two embankments to protect the city. Meanwhile in Lahore, the flow of water at Shahdara in the Ravi River has already crossed 183,000 cusecs, with warnings it could reach 200,000 cusecs by noon. The Ravi can withstand up to 250,000 cusecs, but water levels are rising quickly. Rescue boats and additional teams have been deployed, while evacuations from vulnerable areas are continuing.
Lahore Commissioner confirmed that flow at Ravi Siphon has stabilized. Stabilization at Shahdara is also expected in the next few hours, but residents from riverbed areas are still being shifted to safer ground.
Federal Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb revealed that at least 12 people have died in flood-related incidents across Punjab so far. She said all concerned departments remain on high alert.
Flooding in Bahawalpur and Sargodha
In Bahawalpur, flood pressure from River Sutlej broke temporary embankments at Yousafwala and Ahmadwala. The breaches inundated nearby villages and submerged hundreds of acres of cotton and rice crops. Riverbank erosion has worsened, leaving many families stranded inside their homes.
In River Chenab, a flow of 600,000 cusecs entered Kot Momin in Sargodha district, damaging fields and villages. Authorities warned that the discharge could rise to one million cusecs. Deputy Commissioner Sargodha confirmed that all arrangements have been finalized to handle the emergency.
Nationwide Rain Alerts
Alerts for heavy rains remain active in several cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot. The Balochistan government has also put emergency measures in place to counter possible flooding.
Situation in Lahore
Deputy Commissioner Lahore, Musa Raza, confirmed that the Ravi at Shahdara has now swelled to 211,000 cusecs. He added that water levels are expected to recede within ten hours.
The DC assured that no deaths have been reported in Lahore so far. Nearly 2,000 residents were evacuated in the first phase. Those unable to leave have been accommodated in 18 relief camps. Breakfast and meals are being served in five camps set up by the district administration.
He stressed that public safety remains the highest priority but warned that fresh rains in upper catchment areas could raise the Ravi’s flow again.
Flood Threat in Rojhan
In Rojhan, another major flood surge is moving downstream in the River Indus. Officials say that floodwaters from Punjab rivers, along with inflows from India, will likely converge there in the coming days.
Residents of low-lying areas have been told to evacuate immediately. Tent villages are being set up to house displaced families. Punjab Police and local administration are making repeated announcements urging people not to delay evacuation.
Provincial authorities have placed all departments on red alert. Lawmaker Khizr Mazari, along with the Commissioner Dera Ghazi Khan, Deputy Commissioner Rajanpur, and Assistant Commissioner, are personally monitoring the flood-hit zones.
Punjab floods continue to devastate the province, and officials remain on high alert as rivers swell and thousands of families are forced from their homes.