Authorities in Punjab ordered evacuations on Tuesday and issued a high to very high flood warning for major rivers including the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej, with water levels expected to rise dangerously in the next 48 hours.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority confirmed that floodwaters are already surging, with the Sutlej at Ganda Singhwala flowing at 195,000 cusecs, creating a very high flood situation. At Head Sulemanki, inflows have reached 144,000 cusecs with an outflow of 98,000 cusecs, while the Ravi River at Jasar is flowing at 90,000 cusecs.
Rescue teams, Army and Rangers have been deployed to assist with evacuations as district administrations in Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Vehari and Narowal seek military support. Thousands of residents from vulnerable areas have already been moved to safer locations. According to Rescue 1122, more than 24,000 people have been evacuated from flood-prone areas along the Indus, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej.
The risk of urban flooding is also high in Rawalpindi, Lahore and Gujranwala divisions as heavy monsoon rains continue. Government employees have been instructed to remain in affected areas, while emergency control rooms have been activated across the province.
The flood situation is being worsened by water releases from Indian dams, particularly Thien Dam, where spillways are discharging tens of thousands of cusecs into the Ravi. This is increasing the likelihood of severe flooding at Jasar and other downstream locations. The National Disaster Management Authority has warned that flows could rise to 200,000 cusecs in the Chenab and up to 220,000 cusecs in the Sutlej.
Rainfall in Sialkot, Narowal, Kasur and Gujranwala is further aggravating the situation, with residents in low-lying areas urged to remain alert and cooperate with rescue operations.
