Lahore / Narowal / Islamabad – A devastating flood emergency is unfolding across Punjab, where three major rivers—the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab—have overflowed following relentless rainfall and water releases from Indian dams. The disaster has already claimed at least 17 lives and displaced nearly a quarter of a million residents, while over 1.2 million people are affected.
Floodwaters have submerged more than 1,400 villages, wiping out standing crops, destroying homes, and crippling local businesses. Emergency teams, backed by the Pakistan Army and Rescue 1122, are working around the clock to reach stranded families, but officials warn the worst may still be ahead.
Chenab River Poses “Severe Flood Threat”
The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has issued high-level alerts for districts along the Chenab River, forecasting flows of 700,000 to 800,000 cusecs at Trimmu Barrage by August 31. Authorities expect a powerful surge toward Punjnad by September 3, threatening large-scale inundation in Jhang and nearby areas.
Districts including Hafizabad, Chiniot, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Punjnad have been placed under evacuation orders. Officials are preparing for emergency measures, including breaching the 18-Hazari embankment to divert water if needed.
Ravi River Floodwaters Rising Rapidly
The Ravi River is also surging, with flows expected to hit 200,000 cusecs at Balloki Barrage by August 29. Water levels are forecast to reach Sadhnai by September 1, threatening Lahore’s northern neighborhoods, including Shahdara, Kot Mahbo, Jia Moosa, and surrounding areas.
Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Pattoki have been added to the high-risk list, as floodwaters spread into low-lying zones.
Dam Capacity Under Strain
Officials have raised alarms over Head Qadirabad Barrage, where water flow has reached 996,000 cusecs—nearly 200,000 cusecs over capacity—prompting fears of dam failure. Khanki Barrage is similarly overwhelmed, with 859,000 cusecs reported. Dozens of nearby villages are already submerged.
In Narowal, the Ravi River has surged past 166,000 cusecs, while tributary drains like Basantar are flooding farmlands. Villages in Pakpattan and Arifwala are being evacuated, as 100,000 cusecs of water pounds settlements.
Sutlej Breaches Hit Bahawalpur
The Sutlej River has breached embankments in Yousuf Wala and Ahmad Wala, sending floodwater deep into Bahawalpur district. Several villages in Uch, Ahmadpur East, Lal Suhanra, and Hasilpur are underwater, and thousands of acres of crops are gone. Water levels beneath Empress Bridge have reached 8.4 feet and could climb to 9 feet.
Local officials, including Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen and Deputy Commissioner Farhan Farooq, are on-site, directing intensified rescue operations.
Relief Efforts Intensify
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has set up 263 relief camps and conducted over 365 rescue missions in 24 hours, relocating 57,745 people to safety. The agency is coordinating efforts with the military, deploying boats, helicopters, and satellite imaging to track water movement.
Citizens have been urged to evacuate voluntarily, carry emergency supplies, and use the NDMA’s Disaster Alert App for live updates.
What’s Next
Meteorologists warn that rainfall will resume on Friday and could persist well into next week, compounding the flooding. Authorities remain on high alert, preparing for further dam stress and potential embankment breaches.
With Punjab’s river systems overflowing, the situation is expected to worsen before it improves, putting millions at risk of displacement and severe economic loss.