Heavy rains and India’s sudden release of water have triggered Punjab floods, forcing the government to call in the army. Troops have been deployed in six districts: Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, and Okara.
The Punjab government confirmed the deployment after urgent requests from district administrations. Local rescue services, police, and civil defence are already engaged. But rising river levels have turned the situation into a high-risk emergency.
Army Aviation support has also been placed on alert. Extra resources will be used if conditions worsen. Officials said monitoring is being carried out round the clock. Food supplies, medical stocks, and relief camps are ready to reduce loss of life and property.
Record-breaking rains in Sialkot
Sialkot was hit by 405 mm of rain in just 24 hours, the heaviest in over a decade. Entire neighborhoods, schools, and public buildings were submerged. The flood wave in Nullah Dek destroyed Hanjli Bridge, cutting off dozens of villages.
In Narowal, rescue teams pulled out more than 55 trapped residents. But in Shakargarh, a woman died after her house collapsed.
Rivers crossing danger levels
According to the Irrigation Department, major rivers have crossed safe flow levels:
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Chenab River at Head Marala: over 900,000 cusecs, now above the extreme danger mark.
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Chenab at Khanki: 657,511 cusecs, worsening flood impact.
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Ravi at Jassar: 226,240 cusecs, creating risk near Shahdara and Motorway-2.
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Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala: 245,236 cusecs, expected to reach 280,000 within 12 hours.
Commissioner Gujranwala Division, Naveed Haider Shirazi, warned that the Chenab could burst its banks if the flow rises to 1.5 million cusecs. Evacuation and relief plans have already been put in place.
Mass displacement and crop damage
Thousands of acres of farmland, homes, and schools have been swept away in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Vehari, Pakpattan, and Hafizabad. Over 174,000 people have been moved to safer areas. Six relief camps have been established in vulnerable zones.
NDMA Chairman, Lt Gen Inam Haider, said that climate change is worsening Punjab floods and other disasters. He warned that the frequency and severity of flooding may rise by 22% next year.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to speed up rescue efforts. He ordered immediate food, shelter, and medical assistance for displaced families.