Punjab Flood Alert: August 24 to 27 In a race against impending heavy monsoon rains, Punjab authorities have swung into high gear, evacuating thousands from vulnerable riverbank areas as the Sutlej River hits alarming flood levels. This proactive response comes just ahead of a forecasted intense weather system set to drench the region from August 24 to 27, heightening risks of widespread flooding and flash floods.
Critical Flood Situation in Sutlej River Triggers Mass Evacuations
The Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala has recorded a perilous inflow of 129,866 cusecs, classifying it as a high flood zone expected to remain volatile for the next two days. Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has spearheaded emergency measures, focusing on central and southern districts to safeguard lives and minimize property damage.
Rescue teams from Rescue 1122 have successfully relocated over 19,000 individuals from flood-prone zones along major rivers including the Indus, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Jhelum. High alerts are in place for Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, and Vehari districts, where communities living close to riverbeds are being prioritized for safe relocation.
Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management, emphasized the government’s commitment during an urgent session at PDMA headquarters. “Protecting our citizens is non-negotiable. We’re deploying every available resource to ensure no one is left behind in these Punjab flood-prone areas,” he stated.
Varied River Conditions Across Punjab Demand Vigilance
While the Sutlej remains the focal point of concern, other rivers present a patchwork of stability and rising threats. The Indus River is swelling at key points like Tarbela and Kalabagh, whereas the Chenab and Ravi systems are holding steady within safe limits. In southern regions such as Dera Ghazi Khan, hill torrents are under close watch despite currently normal flows.
READ MORE: KP Govt to Deduct Salaries for Flood Relief
Local officials in areas like Jalalpur Pirwala and Multan are intensifying efforts. Multan Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu highlighted the human-centric approach: “Our teams are working tirelessly to move families to safety, ensuring their well-being amid these escalating Punjab flood risks.”
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued warnings for torrential downpours, predicting heavy rainfall in upper Punjab and beyond. This eighth monsoon spell could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, prompting preemptive deployments of rescue squads and fully stocked relief camps equipped with essentials like medical supplies and vaccinations.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia urged public cooperation: “Stay alert, heed mosque announcements, and avoid water bodies. For emergencies, dial our helpline immediately.” With the clock ticking, the coming days will test Punjab’s disaster preparedness as authorities strive to avert a major crisis.
Gilgit-Baltistan Grapples with Ongoing Flood Aftermath and New Threats
The looming monsoon isn’t sparing Gilgit-Baltistan, where recent glacial outbursts and landslides have already displaced thousands. In Ghizer district’s Talidas village, a devastating glacial lake outburst flood has left over 3,000 people homeless, marking one of the largest displacements since the 2010 Attabad calamity.
Survivors are battling shortages of drinking water and irrigation supplies, with roads like the Shandur-Ghizer route blocked by debris. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s GB coordinator, Israruddin Israr, called attention to the plight of 330 affected households now classified as internally displaced persons.
In a show of resilience, a local shepherd’s timely alert saved lives, earning him recognition from the GB chief minister, who plans a special honor ceremony. Plans are underway for an alternative settlement, with appeals to higher authorities for support.
Criticism has surfaced over the Glof-II early warning project, funded at Rs10 billion by UNDP, with former CM Hafeezur Rehman demanding a probe into its alleged failures and fund mismanagement. As fresh rains threaten more flash floods, GB’s recovery efforts hang in the balance, underscoring the broader impacts of climate-driven disasters in Pakistan’s northern terrains.
This Punjab flood alert underscores the urgent need for coordinated action amid unpredictable weather patterns, with authorities on high alert to protect vulnerable populations across the province and beyond.
