Heavy Rains Pose High Flood Risk in Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab Rivers

LAHORE (Web Desk) —  The flood situation in Punjab has intensified with rising water levels in major rivers, prompting authorities to warn of very high floods in Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab by September 5.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have placed all departments on high alert as surging flows threaten multiple headworks across the province.

Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed said heavy rains in upper catchment areas could trigger an “unusual” rise in river flows. He added that, on the instructions of Punjab’s chief minister, all relevant departments have been directed to remain on standby.

Punjab Rivers Under Extreme Pressure

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia warned that the next few hours are critical at Head Sidhnai, where water flow has reached 137,000 cusecs, posing a risk of breaching. Upstream flows from Head Balloki have risen to 150,000 cusecs, further straining the structure.

He cautioned that a major flood wave from the Chenab is moving towards South Punjab, which could threaten Head Muhammad Wala if Sidhnai breaches. At Head Trimmu, water discharge has already crossed 516,000 cusecs and continues to rise.

Other key river levels reported:

• Chenab River: Qadirabad at 135,000 cusecs, Khanki at 120,000 cusecs, Marala at 96,000 cusecs

• Sutlej River: Ganda Singhwala at 253,000 cusecs, Sulemanki at 124,000 cusecs

• Ravi River: Jassar at 54,000 cusecs, Shahdara at 60,000 cusecs

Kathia further warned that nearly 600,000 cusecs of floodwater will reach Alipur by September 5, with waters expected to enter Sindh between September 6 and 7. Authorities are even considering breaching embankments to safeguard critical infrastructure, including the Sher Shah Bridge.

He also revealed that Indian dams are at full capacity, while local evacuations in Punjab have already shifted nearly 900,000 people to safer locations.