High Flood Risk in Punjab Rivers; Evacuation Underway

Punjab-(Special Correspondent/Web desk)Authorities have sounded an alarm over a high to very high flood risk in Punjab’s major rivers, warning that the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej could swell dangerously within the next 48 hours. Rescue teams, along with the Army and Rangers, have been mobilised as evacuations intensify. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the Sutlej River at Ganda Singhwala is witnessing a very high flood with a flow of 195,000 cusecs. At Head Sulemanki, inflow has reached 144,000 cusecs against an outflow of 98,000 cusecs, while the Ravi River at Jasar is running at 90,000 cusecs.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed said more than 24,000 people have already been shifted to safer locations from flood-prone areas along the Indus, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers. With heavy monsoon rains forecast, officials fear the situation could worsen further. Urban flooding is also expected in Rawalpindi, Lahore and Gujranwala divisions, where residents of low-lying areas have been urged to stay alert and cooperate with emergency teams.Islamabad set to become free Wi-Fi city under new CDA initiative

The flood threat is being intensified by water releases from Indian dams. Hydrological reports show the Thien Dam reaching 1,717 feet, with spillways discharging tens of thousands of cusecs into the Ravi, sparking fears of severe flooding at Jasar in the coming days. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has placed all institutions on high alert, warning that flood levels could surge to 200,000 cusecs in the Chenab and 220,000 cusecs in the Sutlej. Meanwhile, the PDMA has directed commissioners and deputy commissioners in Lahore, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur and D.G. Khan to remain vigilant. Emergency control rooms have been activated as rainfall continues across Sialkot, Narowal, Kasur and Gujranwala, further aggravating the flood risk.