Punjab on High Alert as Floods Threaten; 150,000 Evacuated

ISLAMABAD / LAHORE  (RNN TV) – Authorities have evacuated nearly 150,000 people from flood-prone areas of Punjab as major rivers face high to very high flood risk over the next 48 hours.

The Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers are swelling rapidly after heavy monsoon rains and India’s release of water from upstream dams. At Ganda Singhwala, the Sutlej’s flow has surged to 195,000 cusecs, creating a “very high flood” situation, while the Ravi at Jasar is flowing at 90,000 cusecs.

Rescue teams, Army and Rangers have joined evacuation efforts in Kasur, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Pakpattan, Vehari and Narowal. Leave for government staff has been cancelled, while relief camps and fodder supplies for livestock have been arranged.

Urban flooding is also feared in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Gujranwala as rains continue. The NDMA has warned that flood levels may cross 200,000 cusecs in the Chenab and 220,000 cusecs in the Sutlej.

India has formally informed Pakistan about the water releases, though tensions remain high after New Delhi put the Indus Waters Treaty “in abeyance” earlier this year.

Officials have urged residents of low-lying areas to move to safer ground and avoid rivers and streams. With reservoirs nearing capacity and more rains forecast, authorities say the situation could worsen in the coming days.