LAHORE: Authorities placed disaster management agencies on high alert, warning of “exceptionally high” flood risks across Punjab due to heavy monsoon rains, glacial melt, and India’s release of water from upstream dams.
Officials confirmed that nearly 190,000 people have already been evacuated with military assistance as rescue operations continued in dozens of submerged villages. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) cautioned that the next 48 to 72 hours are critical, with more rain and dam discharges expected.
Rivers Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej have swollen to dangerous levels, threatening Punjab’s key agricultural belt. NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider said mass evacuations are under way with the support of Punjab’s PDMA and Rescue 1122, noting that this eighth spell of monsoon rains was unusually intense.
Forecasts point to severe downpours in Sialkot, Narowal, Kasur, and surrounding districts, raising risks of urban flooding and damage to infrastructure. Authorities urged residents to avoid low-lying areas and heed official alerts.
At Marala Headworks on the Chenab, inflows have surpassed 400,000 cusecs and may reach 600,000 cusecs — a severe flood stage. The Ravi is also surging, with flows expected to exceed 240,000 cusecs at Kot Naina. Meanwhile, the Sutlej basin faces rising discharges from India’s Pong and Bhakra dams, with levels projected to top 220,000 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala.
Pakistani officials expressed concern that uncoordinated water releases from India, including the opening of Thein Dam gates, could worsen flooding downstream.
