LAHORE: The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported large-scale devastation caused by ongoing floods across the province, with nearly four million people affected, dozens of lives lost, and hundreds of villages submerged.
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed said floodwaters from the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers have inundated more than 3,900 villages, directly impacting 3.89 million people. Around 1.839 million residents have been evacuated to safer areas during extensive relief operations.
Dozens killed, livestock saved
Officials confirmed that 49 people have died in the recent flooding. Under directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the government will ensure compensation for those who lost homes, farmland, or livelihoods.
To cope with the crisis, 415 relief camps, 466 medical camps, and 398 veterinary camps have been established in flood-hit districts. Authorities have also managed to relocate around 1.34 million livestock to higher ground.
“The floods have brought immense hardship, but our priority remains safeguarding lives, providing relief, and ensuring support for affected families,” Mr Javed said.
Reservoirs under pressure
The PDMA report highlighted mounting pressure on water reservoirs. Mangla Dam is at 87pc capacity, while Tarbela has already reached full storage. Across the border, India’s Bhakra Dam is at 84pc, Pong at 98pc, and Thein at 92pc — contributing to heavy inflows into Punjab’s rivers.
India has once again informed Pakistan about releases into the Sutlej River. The Ministry of Water Resources has warned that these discharges could push water levels to dangerous highs at Harike and Ferozepur, threatening low-lying settlements downstream. District administrations have been directed to remain on high alert and enforce timely evacuation.
Rivers in flood
The Flood Forecasting Division reported severe flooding at multiple points. On the Sutlej, an exceptionally high flood has been recorded at Ganda Singh Wala with 311,000 cusecs, while Head Sulaimanki registered 141,000 cusecs (high flood) and Head Islam 102,000 cusecs (medium flood).
The Ravi is also swelling, with a medium flood at Jassar (73,000 cusecs), a high flood at Shahdara (112,000 cusecs), and extremely high floods at Balloki (144,000 cusecs) and Sidhnai (121,000 cusecs).
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The Chenab faces rising flows as well. Head Marala recorded a low flood at 113,000 cusecs, but conditions are worsening downstream: Khanki (199,000 cusecs), Qadirabad (217,000 cusecs), Chiniot (539,000 cusecs — very high flood), Trimmu (331,000 cusecs — high flood), and Panjnad (210,000 cusecs — medium flood).
Advisory to residents
The PDMA has urged residents in vulnerable districts to remain vigilant, heed evacuation advisories, and avoid unnecessary movement near embankments. Authorities have warned that additional rainfall combined with upstream discharges could further aggravate flooding in the coming days.
