ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning that flood pressure on Punjab’s rivers is expected to intensify as heavy rains continue across northern regions and floodwaters surge downstream.
According to NDMA, Pakistan is currently experiencing the eighth and second-to-last spell of monsoon rainfall this year. Torrential downpours have brought nearly 600 millimeters of rain in Sialkot and more than 300 millimeters near Jammu in Indian-occupied Kashmir, adding massive inflows into Punjab’s river system.
Chenab River
The Chenab River rose to a dangerous peak of 700,000 cusecs at Head Marala, later receding to about 550,000 cusecs. At Head Khanki, however, the river is carrying an unprecedented one million cusecs, raising fears for Qadirabad Barrage, where engineers are considering controlled breaches to reduce pressure and prevent structural damage.
Ravi River
Flood levels on the Ravi River remain alarming, with flows recorded at 230,000 cusecs at Jesar, while water continues to rise at Shahdara and Barki. Local administrations have issued evacuation alerts for low-lying areas around the riverbanks.
Sutlej River
The Sutlej River is also under severe stress, where water volumes have surged to 250,000 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala, mainly due to heavy rainfall and additional water releases from Indian dams.
Evacuations and relief efforts
Authorities have already evacuated nearly 200,000 people from high-risk areas. The Pakistan Army, Rescue 1122, and local administrations are actively providing shelter, medical aid, and relief supplies to displaced families.
Meanwhile, the Indus River remains stable at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa, but officials are monitoring closely as water from northern catchment areas continues to flow downstream.
The NDMA has urged residents in flood-prone areas to follow evacuation orders immediately and warned that the coming days remain critical for Punjab, given the continuing rainfall and inflows from upstream regions.