Web Desk
Lahore / Islamabad: At least 12 people lost their lives as exceptionally high floods swept across Punjab following the release of water from India into the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers. Authorities remain on high alert, with rescue teams, the Pakistan Army, and district administrations working round-the-clock to evacuate thousands from inundated areas.
The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) reported exceptionally high flood levels at several headworks. As of 3 PM:
- Chenab River: Qadirabad registered 901,500 cusecs (exceptionally high), Khanki at 722,000 cusecs (very high), while Trimmu recorded 97,597 cusecs (normal).
- Ravi River: Shahdara recorded 185,000 cusecs, expected to reach 200,000 cusecs by evening. Jassar and Balloki remained at high flood levels with 128,000 cusecs and 96,575 cusecs respectively.
- Sutlej River: Ganda Singh Wala recorded 261,053 cusecs (exceptionally high), while Sulemanki stood at 109,305 cusecs (medium) and Islam headworks at 52,706 cusecs (low).
Government & Rescue Operations
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited flood-hit Shahdara via boat, emphasizing that “without government preparedness and alertness, many more lives could have been lost.” She praised rescue teams, the armed forces, and police for their active engagement, confirming that floodwaters have begun to recede in certain areas.
The NDMA Chairman briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, highlighting that unusual monsoon patterns — with systems from the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Western disturbances — converged over northern Pakistan, causing intense flooding. He added that glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and urban inundation in Karachi further complicated the situation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the casualties, commending Punjab government’s rescue efforts:
“Punjab is facing severe flooding, but teamwork and effective early warning systems have minimized losses. Pakistan, being among the most climate-affected countries, must urgently expand water storage capacity and construct new reservoirs.”
Mass Evacuations & Damage
- Over 2,000 people were rescued and shifted to safer locations, with 18 relief camps established in flood-affected districts.
- In Phoolnagar (Kasur), medium to high flood levels in Ravi have inundated villages, while the Pakistan Army, police, and rescue officials continue evacuations.
- In Bahawalnagar, thousands were affected as Sutlej overflow submerged villages and washed away protective embankments and roads.
- In Sargodha (Kot Momin), a massive 600,000 cusec flood wave entered, forcing evacuation of 2,500 residents and 1,700 livestock.
Outlook
While floodwaters in some areas, including Chenab at Qadirabad and Khanki, are beginning to recede, authorities remain vigilant. District administrations have deployed additional boats, expanded relief operations, and cleared flood channels to prevent further devastation.
