Heavy monsoon rains and water releases from India have caused devastating floods across Punjab, leading to the deployment of army troops in eight districts to assist with rescue and relief efforts. The crisis, worsened by overflowing rivers and record rainfall, has displaced thousands and submerged vast areas of farmland and homes.
Punjab Faces Widespread Flooding
Persistent monsoon rains, combined with sudden water discharges from India, have pushed Punjab’s rivers to dangerous levels, flooding homes, schools, and infrastructure. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has deployed army troops in Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, Okara, Sargodha, and Sheikhupura to support overwhelmed local rescue teams, including Rescue 1122, police, and civil defense units.
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The Punjab government has mobilized additional resources, including Army Aviation support and boats, to prepare for potential escalation. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to follow evacuation orders and stay safe.
Rivers Reach Critical Levels
The Irrigation Department reports alarming water levels in Punjab’s major rivers, threatening further destruction:
- Chenab River (Head Marala): Over 900,000 cusecs, exceeding hazardous levels.
- Chenab River (Khanki): 657,511 cusecs, intensifying downstream flooding.
- Ravi River (Jassar): 226,240 cusecs, endangering Shahdara and Motorway-2 areas.
- Sutlej River (Ganda Singh Wala): 245,236 cusecs, projected to hit 280,000 cusecs soon.
Gujranwala Commissioner Naveed Haider Shirazi warned that the Chenab could overflow if levels reach 1.5 million cusecs. Relief camps and evacuation plans are in place to mitigate risks.
Also Read: High Flood Alert in Punjab After India Opens Ravi Dam Gates
Sialkot Hit by Record Rainfall
Sialkot faced its heaviest rainfall in over a decade, recording 405mm in 24 hours. The deluge flooded homes, schools, and government buildings, while a flood wave in Nullah Dek destroyed Hanjli Bridge, isolating dozens of villages. Rescue operations are ongoing, but the scale of the damage has strained resources.
Mass Evacuations and Losses
Floodwaters have devastated thousands of acres of farmland, schools, and homes in districts like Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Vehari, Pakpattan, and Hafizabad. Over 174,000 residents have been evacuated to safer areas, with relief camps providing shelter, food, and medical care. In Shakargarh, a woman tragically died in a house collapse, and 55 people were evacuated from Narowal.
Climate Concerns and Government Response
NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider emphasized that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of floods in Pakistan, with potential impacts rising by up to 22% in the coming year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to intensify rescue operations and ensure immediate aid for affected communities.
As the situation evolves, officials are bracing for more rain and potential flooding. The government has committed to supporting recovery efforts and addressing long-term infrastructure needs to better prepare for future climate challenges.
Also Read: Pakistan Approves Rs3B for Gilgit-Baltistan Flood Recovery
