Authorities have sounded a serious warning of flood risk in Punjab as major rivers, including Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej, continue to swell. The situation is expected to intensify over the next 48 hours, prompting urgent response measures.
Rescue teams, the Pakistan Army, and Rangers have been deployed to speed up evacuation efforts. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the Sutlej River at Ganda Singhwala has surged to 195,000 cusecs, creating a very high flood threat. At Head Sulemanki, water inflow has touched 144,000 cusecs with an outflow of 98,000 cusecs. Meanwhile, the Ravi River at Jasar is currently flowing at 90,000 cusecs.
District administrations in Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Vehari, and Narowal have sought military assistance to evacuate communities at risk. The government has cancelled staff leave, directing all officials to remain present in vulnerable areas.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed confirmed that over 24,000 people have already been shifted from flood-prone regions to safer shelters. He warned that with fresh monsoon rains forecast, the crisis could worsen. Urban flooding is also feared in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Gujranwala divisions. Residents of low-lying settlements have been asked to stay alert and cooperate with emergency teams.
Adding to the flood risk, water releases from Indian dams are raising downstream pressure. Data shows that Thien Dam has reached 1,717 feet, with spillways releasing tens of thousands of cusecs into the Ravi. This has created fears of severe flooding in Jasar over the coming days.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has directed all institutions to remain on high alert. Officials have cautioned that the Chenab River could rise to 200,000 cusecs, while the Sutlej may reach 220,000 cusecs.
PDMA has instructed commissioners and deputy commissioners in Lahore, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and D.G. Khan to stay vigilant. Emergency control rooms have been activated across Punjab. Meanwhile, continued rainfall in Sialkot, Narowal, Kasur, and Gujranwala is further aggravating the flood danger.