PMD warns of ‘exceptionally high flood levels’ in Sutlej, Chenab

LAHORE:

High flooding in Ravi, Chenab and Satlej rivers has claimed 28 lives while ready crops have been damaged across Punjab following excessive dischage of water from India.

The Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala has been undergoing high level flood where water flow has surged past 350,000 cusecs — the heaviest recorded since 1955.

The situation may worsen as more rainfall and potential water releases from India threaten to increase the volume of water in the river. Authorities in Kasur and adjoining districts have been placed on high alert, while evacuations from vulnerable settlements are underway.

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed and PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said that a breach was made at the RRA-1 embankment to divert water in order to protect Kasur. He noted that the water level at Sutlej has swelled to 350,000 cusecs from 261,000 cusecs, leading to an alarming situation.

Kathia mentioned water levels are rising at Sulemanki and Balloki Headworks, while water level is seen slightly receding at Shahdara. The district administrations have completed evacuations from low-lying areas in Okara, Sahiwal and Toba Tek Singh.

The PDMA chief further said that floodwaters would pass through 30 to 40 villages of Mandi Bahauddin before falling back into the river. The Rewas Railway Bridge was also broken to protect Jhang city, said Kathia, adding that the mover reduced the water level by 150,000 cusecs.

He said sections of the Jhang–Shorkot road were deliberately breached to reduce pressure. Flow at Trimmu Headworks has begun to recede, though downstream levels are still expected to rise.

Kathia confirmed that Punjab’s three major rivers were in ‘high flood’ condition, with 28 deaths reported across the province so far. Most of the casualties took place in Gujranwala division due to flash and urban flooding. He warned that the next few hours would be critical for Kasur and nearby areas.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Operation Centre of NDMA has issued alert for high level of flood in Satlej at Ganda Singhwala where the flow of water has crossed 350,000 cusecs.

According to the alert, rains and possible release of flood water from India may aggravate the situation. Civil administration and rescue agencies in Kasur and adjoining areas have been put on high alert. The public has been advised to follow safety arrangements and instructions of the local administration.

Ravi expected to overflow until Wednesday: NEOC

River Ravi is expected to overflow from August 30 to September 3, due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas and increased water discharge from the Thein Dam.

According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre, the water flow at Balloki at the Ravi River is currently 146,995 cusecs which is rising.

The flood wave is expected to reach Sadhnai between September 2 and 3, with flow ranging between 125,000 to 150,000 cusecs. Sadhnai will experience high flood situation.

Lahore and Raiwind may be the most affected areas due to the flood in River Ravi. Other areas that may be impacted by the flood include Kasur, Pattoki, Okara, Renala Khurd, Depalpur, Gogera, Tandlianwala, Kamalia, Pir Mahal, Adda Hakeem, and Sadhnai.

River Chenab is currently experiencing a severe flood situation at Chiniot Bridge, with a flow of 855,000 cusecs. Residents living near rivers and waterways are advised to immediately relocate to safer places.

“Follow local administration instructions and contact rescue teams in case of emergencies. Avoid unnecessary travel in flood-affected areas and keep an emergency kit ready, including water, food, and medicines, and secure important documents,” stated the advisory.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of ‘exceptionally high flood levels’ in major rivers as heavy rainfall is expected in their upper catchments from August 30 to September 2.

The Chenab at Trimmu is forecast to reach ‘exceptionally high flood level’ within 24 hours, while at Panjnad it is expected to reach ‘very high flood level’ on September 2. Meanwhile, the Indus River at Guddu and Sukkur barrages is predicted to reach very high flood levels on September 4 and 5.

The PMD cautioned that the intensity of rainfall may shift from moderate to heavy, raising concerns of urban flooding across Punjab.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir visited flood-affected areas of Punjab on Friday, including Sialkot Sector, Shakargarh, Narowal, and Kartarpur, where he met with the Sikh community and reviewed ongoing rescue and relief operations.

During his interaction with the Sikh community, the COAS assured that all religious sites damaged by the floods — including Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur — would be fully restored to their original condition on priority, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

He reiterated that the protection of minorities and their places of worship was the state’s responsibility and pledged that Pakistan would “leave no stone unturned” in fulfilling that duty. COAS also undertook an aerial survey of Darbar Sahib Kartarpur to assess the extent of damage.

Riwaz bridge breached

A breach was made at Riwaz bridge to divert floodwaters of the Chenab River and protect Jhang city from inundation, according to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed confirmed the breach and said residents from the riverbed had been evacuated. He added that the administrations of Faisalabad and Jhang had been directed to stay on high alert, with officials deployed in the field.

Ravi River at Shahdara swells to highest level since 1988

Water levels in Punjab’s major rivers have surged to their highest in decades, with the Ravi River at Lahore’s Shahdara point swelling to 220,000 cusecs — the largest flow recorded since 1988.

According to Punjab PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, the surge at Shahdara was the most severe since 1988. He confirmed that floodwaters reached nine locations in the city, but swift rescue operations ensured there were no fatalities.

The Flood Forecasting Department (FFD) reported rainfall across Lahore, with Nisar Town recording the highest at 25mm, followed by 11mm in Johar Town.

Moreover, evacuations were carried out in Theme Park, Mohlanwal, Mureed Wala, Farukh Abad, Shafiq Abad, Afghan Colony, New Meter City, and Chuhng. In Pak View Housing, residents were moved before four blocks were inundated. Relief operations are also underway in Talat Park and Babu Sabu.

The government has set up relief camps to shelter displaced families. Around 70 people are currently housed at Lachi Wali School, while others are being accommodated at the Chuhng Thokar relief camp.

Although water levels remain dangerously high in parts of the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers, officials say flows at most major headworks are currently stable and under control.

Multan prepares as flood looms

The River Chenab has submerged hundreds of acres of fertile land in Shujaabad, with the irrigation department warning of an extreme-level flood risk within the next 24 to 36 hours. Fifteen villages along the riverbank are expected to be affected.

As the floodwaters head towards Multan, police have deployed 564 personnel across Alpa, Cantt, Qutabpur, DHA, Shujaabad, Jalalpur Pirwala, and Saddar to ensure civilian safety. The district administration has also launched emergency protective measures.

Multan Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamed said a controlled breach at Head Muhammad Wala point has been planned to reduce pressure on urban areas. He added that 60% of the population in vulnerable areas has already been evacuated, with rescue efforts ongoing.

According to the PDMA, Marala point currently faces a medium-level flood, with inflows at 191,000 and outflows at 185,000 cusecs. At Khanki point, a high-level flood is anticipated, with flows projected at 996,000 cusecs.

The surge has already inundated more than 50 villages at Sambrial, where eight people have drowned. Meanwhile, residents fear the collapse of weakened protective embankments in Rangpur, Muradabad, Bhattian Wala Basti, Thatta Sialan, and Sanki, where cracks have appeared.

Moreover, the Ravi River’s surging waters have triggered flooding across Lahore’s Shahdara area, where several housing societies were submerged under nearly four feet of water, forcing residents to flee their homes.

According to the Punjab Irrigation Department, the Ravi at Jassar was flowing at 85,980 cusecs, while at Shahdara the water flow was recorded at 201,400 cusecs, with levels now gradually falling.

At the Ravi siphon, flows stood at 202,428 cusecs, also showing a downward trend. In contrast, inflows at Balloki headworks rose to 151,560 cusecs, while Sidhnai remained stable at 25,478 cusecs.

The Ravi River’s flow has fluctuated between 211,330 and 219,760 cusecs in recent days, prompting the Punjab government to intensify relief efforts and restrict civilian access to riverbanks.

Announcements have been made in mosques around Shahdara, warning residents in low-lying areas to evacuate. In Shakargarh, three people lost their lives after floodwaters submerged hundreds of acres of crops for several hours.

The Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala point has reached high-level flood, with inflows recorded at 261,000 cusecs. In Vehari, the protective embankments of Lakha Suldira and Jatira gave way, allowing floodwaters to enter Lakha Suldira and Moza Jatira.

The breach of the Murad Wala embankment has further inundated Kaliya Shah, Moza Dhool, Moza Siphon, Jhok Gamu, Jhok Fazil, and Veersi Wahan, causing severe damage in the area.