Punjab floods devastate 1,400 villages, displacing over 1.2 million people

LAHORE: Torrential floods across Punjab have displaced over 1.2 million people and submerged nearly 1,400 villages as the Chenab, Sutlej, and Ravi rivers continue to swell dangerously, according to official updates.

The Chenab has been the hardest hit, flooding 991 villages and affecting more than 769,000 residents. In comparison, the Sutlej has inundated 361 villages, displacing nearly 393,000 people, while the Ravi has impacted 80 villages and around 75,000 residents.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that over 210,000 people have been evacuated, with 25,000 shifted to relief camps, while 148,000 livestock have also been rescued. Additionally, 234 veterinary camps are operating to prevent disease outbreaks among animals.

Chenab River on red alert

The Chenab River is experiencing extremely high flood levels at Head Khanki, Qadirabad, and Marala. At Khanki, water flows surged to 859,000 cusecs, while Qadirabad recorded 996,000 cusecs, far exceeding the barrage’s safe design capacity.

More than 50 villages in Sambrial have been completely submerged, raising the death toll to eight fatalities so far. The flood wave is now moving toward Muzaffargarh, where residents are alarmed over cracks in weak embankments at Rangpur, Muradabad, Bhattianwali Basti, Thatta Sialan, and Sankhi.

Ravi River breaching banks

In Lahore’s Shahdara, the Ravi River has spilled over its banks with water flows at 189,000 cusecs, expected to reach 200,000 cusecs soon. Local mosques have been urging people to evacuate, while district authorities cleared 22 villages across five tehsils.

At Jassar, flows have hit 139,000 cusecs (extremely high flood level), while Balloki Headworks reported 93,000 cusecs (medium flood). In Shakargarh District, vast farmland has been washed away, dozens of homes have collapsed, and at least three people lost their lives.

Sutlej River breaches embankments

The Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala is also at an extremely high flood stage, with water recorded at 261,000 cusecs, while Head Sulemanki has reached 109,000 cusecs. In Vehari, embankments at Lakha Sildira and Jatiera collapsed, cutting off over 40 villages and affecting more than 50,000 residents, with 12,000 relocated to makeshift camps.

In Bahawalnagar, temporary dykes have given way under relentless floodwaters, worsening the crisis.

Indus River remains stable—for now

The Indus River remains at low flood levels in Punjab, though a high flood wave is forecast to reach Kot Mithan in three to four days. Relief efforts have already begun in katcha areas, with camps set up in advance. In Sindh, flows at Taunsa, Guddu, Sukkur, Kotri, and Islam headworks remain within safe levels.

Situation remains critical

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that the next 12–48 hours are critical, with more heavy rainfall expected in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Murree, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Punjab PDMA Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed has ordered district officials to remain on the ground, stressing that swift evacuations are essential to protect lives and property. Rescue services remain on high alert, with authorities warning that any negligence will not be tolerated.