Monsoon Fury: 881 Dead as Floods Worsen Across Pakistan; NDMA Issues Red Alert

Islamabad – Relentless monsoon rains and widespread flooding have claimed 18 more lives across Pakistan in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 881 since June 26, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The most recent fatalities include 10 men, 3 women, and 5 children, with deaths reported from Punjab (7), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (4), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (7). Causes range from flash floods and urban flooding to landslides, house collapses, and electrocution. At least 29 people have been injured, and 40 houses have been damaged—20 of them completely destroyed.

Worsening Situation Across Rivers

The NDMA has sounded alarms as floodwater from India, combined with ongoing heavy rains, poses a severe threat to Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Nearly 190,000 cusecs of floodwater have entered Pakistan, raising water levels in major rivers including the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab.

NDMA expert Dr Tayyab confirmed the upper reaches of Ravi and Chenab are likely to witness high-level flooding within the next 48 hours. The Sutlej River is also at critical levels.

• Ravi at Jassar: Flow at 125,000 cusecs, expected to rise to 150,000 cusecs.

• Ravi at Shahdara (Lahore): Currently at 52,000 cusecs, may rise to 80,000 cusecs.

• Sutlej at Kasur: Dangerous flow of 188,000 cusecs, flooding 30+ villages.

• Chenab at Chiniot: Inflow at 100,000 cusecs, with floodwater entering populated areas.

Evacuations Underway

Rescue operations are in full swing in flood-hit areas of Kasur, Burewala, Minchinabad, Chiniot, Hafizabad, and Bahawalpur. Over 3,000 people and hundreds of livestock have been evacuated. Relief camps have been set up, and Pakistan Army, Rangers, and local authorities are assisting in rescue efforts.

Read more: EU announces Rs350m emergency aid for Pakistan’s flood victims

The Livestock Department has vaccinated and treated thousands of animals to prevent disease outbreaks in submerged areas.

Indian Dams Raise Concern

The NDMA has expressed concern over the Thein Dam in India, which has reached 97% capacity. Any sudden release of water could send a dangerous surge into the Ravi River, exacerbating the flood threat across eastern Punjab.

The NDMA confirmed that India’s flood alert was received via diplomatic channels, bypassing traditional Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) protocols.

PM Orders Emergency Response

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed NDMA and provincial authorities to:

• Accelerate rescue and evacuation.

• Ensure immediate provision of food, tents, and medical supplies.

• Increase security and surveillance at Ganda Singh Wala, Head Sulemanki, and other vulnerable points.

• Maintain close coordination between federal and provincial disaster teams.

In line with this directive, the federal cabinet has donated one month’s salary to the National Disaster Management Fund (NDMF) to support relief efforts.

PDMA Punjab on High Alert

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued flood alerts for multiple districts, warning of:

• Urban flooding in Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, and Sahiwal.

• Flash floods in northern and northeastern Punjab.

• Further crop destruction in Hafizabad, Burewala, and southern Punjab.

Modern drones capable of delivering 25 kg of relief goods have been deployed across flood-hit districts on the orders of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Public Safety Advisory

NDMA has urged the public to:

• Stay away from rivers, canals, and low-lying areas.

• Avoid non-essential travel in the next 48 hours.

• Follow updates via TV, radio, mobile alerts, and the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App.

Emergency services remain on high alert nationwide, as authorities brace for further rainfall forecasted until August 27.