WEBDESK: Continuous monsoon rains have pushed Punjab’s major rivers towards dangerous flood levels, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue a high alert across the province. Within the next 48 hours, officials warn, the situation could escalate from high flood to very high flood, especially in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers.
Sutlej River Facing Critical Situation
According to PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, the Sutlej River is currently bearing the brunt of the flooding. At Ganda Singh Wala, water flow has surged to 195,000 cusecs, marking a very high flood level. Meanwhile, at Head Sulemanki, the flow has been measured at 104,000 cusecs, placing it under medium flood conditions.
Officials highlighted that India’s release of water into the Sutlej has further aggravated the crisis. At Ganda Singh Wala, the water level reached 21.8 feet, with a discharge of 174,062 cusecs, inundating nearby areas. In Bahawalpur district, rising floodwaters have submerged thousands of acres of cotton fields, destroying crops and threatening livelihoods. Several homes and schools have also been inundated.
Rising Water Levels in the Ravi River
The Ravi River is also swelling rapidly. At Jassar, the river’s flow has increased to 90,000 cusecs, creating a medium flood. At Shahdara, levels remain at a low flood with 40,000 cusecs, but authorities report water is still rising. Additional measurements show 27,000 cusecs at Balloki and 12,000 cusecs at Head Sidhnai, both under increasing pressure from continuous rainfall.
The danger along the Ravi is expected to intensify if monsoon rains continue in the upper catchment areas and if further water is released upstream.
Chenab River Pressure Building
Flood levels in the Chenab River are also climbing. At Head Marala, inflows are at 107,000 cusecs, with an outflow of 89,000 cusecs. Downstream at Khanki, water flow has reached 91,000 cusecs. The situation has raised fears of widespread flooding in low-lying agricultural regions, with farmers already reporting losses to standing crops.
In addition, flooding has been reported in the hill streams of Dera Ghazi Khan, compounding the crisis for southern Punjab communities.
Evacuation and Rescue Operations
Relief operations are underway across affected areas. According to Rescue 1122 teams, at least 361 people have been evacuated so far from flood-hit villages and towns.
Relief Commissioner Punjab, Nabil Javed, urged residents along riverbanks to immediately relocate to safer locations. “Flood relief camps have been set up to provide shelter, food, and medicines,” he said, assuring displaced families of government assistance.
Deputy Commissioner Ahmad Usman Javed confirmed that district administrations, Rescue 1122, and civil defence teams are on full alert to manage the evolving crisis.
Indus River and Hill Torrents Also in Flood
The Flood Forecasting Centre reported low flood levels at Kalabagh and Chashma on the Indus River, but warned that the situation could deteriorate with more rain. Hill torrents such as Nullah Dek, Basantar, Bein, and Palkhu are also in flood, putting additional pressure on embankments and local communities.
Heavy Rainfall Across Punjab
In the last 24 hours, several districts recorded heavy rainfall that has contributed to the rising river levels:
- Narowal: 103 mm (heaviest rainfall)
- Kasur: 96 mm
- Lahore: 38 mm
- Gujrat: 16 mm
The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts that the wet spell will continue until 27 August, with heavy downpours expected in Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal.
Public Safety Measures and Warnings
Authorities have issued strict safety advisories for the public:
- Avoid unnecessary travel in hilly regions, where landslides are possible.
- Stay away from rivers, streams, and canals due to sudden surges in water levels.
- Parents are urged not to let children near floodwaters to prevent accidents.
The PDMA has emphasized that community cooperation is crucial in minimizing loss of life and property.
Broader Impacts and Government Response
The floods are already causing economic damage, with cotton and other crops submerged under water in Bahawalpur and Kasur districts. Losses to agriculture could affect both farmers’ incomes and national cotton output this season.
The government has pledged to keep relief efforts fully operational, while also monitoring India’s upstream water releases. Officials have stressed the importance of regional water management cooperation to prevent future disasters of this scale.
Conclusion
Punjab’s rivers — Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab — are now at dangerous levels, threatening both rural and urban populations. While Rescue 1122 teams and district administrations are actively working to relocate residents, the continued monsoon rains and India’s upstream releases mean the next 48 hours will be critical.
For the people living in flood-prone areas, vigilance and timely evacuation remain the best defences against the mounting crisis.
Read more: NDMA warns of high flood in Ravi river after India’s water release
