BAHAWALPUR – The Sutlej River continues to swell dangerously, forcing the evacuation of over 150,000 residents across Punjab, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Officials fear the crisis could escalate further with another spell of heavy monsoon rains expected this week.
The Punjab PDMA has declared large-scale evacuations after floodwaters inundated villages. District-wise reports show Kasur with 72 affected villages, Bahawalnagar 75, Vehari 23, Bahawalpur 15, and Pakpattan 12. Over 45,000 residents and 17,000 livestock have been moved to safer locations.
Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed confirmed the setup of 67 relief and medical camps, equipped with boats, tents, and rescue supplies. More than 2,600 patients have already received treatment in emergency clinics, while 46 veterinary camps are operating for livestock care.
The NDMA data shows Bahawalnagar evacuated 89,868 people, followed by Kasur 14,140, Okara 2,063, Pakpattan 873, Bahawalpur 361, and Vehari 165.
Flood levels are rising fast: the Ravi at Jassar recorded 111,000 cusecs, the Chenab at Head Marala remained in medium flood, while at Head Panjnad, Sutlej waters have surged to 106,000 cusecs. In Mari Qasim Shah (Bahawalpur), embankments have been breached, swallowing hundreds of acres of farmland and forcing farmers to abandon their homes.
The flood surge has been fueled by water releases from Indian reservoirs, including Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a red alert, forecasting heavy rains from August 27–31 across central Punjab, with risks of flash flooding in Dera Ghazi Khan hill torrents. Recent rainfall saw Narowal (103mm) and Kasur (96mm) among the hardest-hit districts.
Meanwhile, reservoir levels have reached critical points, with Tarbela Dam at full capacity and Mangla at 76 percent. Across the border, Bhakra Dam is 80% full, Pong 87%, and Thein 85%, increasing fears of further water inflows.
Although no casualties were reported in the last 24 hours, the Punjab monsoon has already caused 165 deaths and 584 injuries this season. Authorities remain on high alert as the next spell of rain approaches.