The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) announced on Tuesday that nearly 190,000 people have been evacuated from flood-affected areas along the River Sutlej, with rising water levels continuing to pose a serious threat to vulnerable communities, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
Speaking to the media, NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider said the large-scale evacuation was carried out in coordination with the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Rescue 1122. The agencies successfully relocated residents to safer zones amid ongoing high flood alerts.
“Our operational focus remains on the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, which are facing medium to high-level flood risks due to the eighth spell of the monsoon season,” Haider said.
The NDMA chairman also warned of expected heavy rainfall over the next 48 to 72 hours, particularly in regions not typically prone to flooding. Excessive rainfall is forecast for Sialkot, Narowal, Kasur, and nearby districts, raising concerns about urban flooding and damage to infrastructure.
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“All relevant departments are on high alert,” Lt Gen Haider stressed, urging the public to stay vigilant, avoid low-lying areas, and follow official advisories. He added that evacuation operations commenced on Tuesday, with local administrations mobilising resources to move residents from high-risk zones.
With the monsoon season ongoing, Haider noted that federal resources and backup support had been deployed to assist provincial and district authorities in their efforts.
He expressed hope that displaced residents would be able to return home once the monsoon spell subsides. Haider also acknowledged significant crop and infrastructure damage and confirmed that the prime minister had directed a comprehensive infrastructure audit to take place once the season concludes.
The NDMA is also focused on disseminating early warnings to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, which are expected to experience further rainfall in the coming days. Haider reiterated the importance of adhering to official alerts issued via television, radio, and mobile notifications.
According to Pakistan’s Meteorological Department (PMD), the heaviest rainfall in Punjab was recorded in Sialkot, with the city receiving 228mm and the airport 97mm. Other areas in Punjab also saw substantial rainfall, including Narowal (107mm), Lahore (City 61mm, Airport 39mm), Kasur (42mm), and Gujrat and Gujranwala (35mm). Hafizabad recorded the least at just 2mm.
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In K-P, Kakul saw 36mm of rain, while Balakot received 6mm, and Malamjabba recorded 5mm. Rainfall in Kashmir included 25mm in Garhi Dupatta and 4mm in Rawalakot. Balochistan’s Lasbela region received only 2mm of rainfall, with little to no precipitation in other areas.
