LAHORE: The provincial government of Punjab have evacuated tens of thousands of people after exceptionally high floods hit the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers, following heavy rains and India’s release of water from its dams.
The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) mentioned that the Chenab at Qadirabad and Khanki headworks, Ravi at Jassar, and Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala were in “exceptionally high flood” condition. Outflows at Khanki and Qadirabad crossed one million cusecs, with a rising trend, posing significant risks to downstream districts.
In this sense, Rescue 1122 confirmed that more than 32,500 people have been safely evacuated from low-lying and riverine areas. So far, over 400 boats have been deployed in rescue operations, with additional fleets on standby.
Relief camps and medical facilities have been set up, while the Edhi Foundation and other organisations are providing emergency support in flood-affected villages, particularly in Kasur. Furthermore, the climate experts termed the situation “unusual and alarming,” noting that water flows have exceeded historical patterns.
In addition to this, Masood Lohar, an environmental analyst, warned that the floods threaten agricultural lands, infrastructure, and entire settlements. He stressed that both Pakistan and India are facing the consequences of extreme weather patterns, pointing out that “rivers cannot be stopped, and nature’s fury must be respected.”
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So far, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed federal ministers to visit the affected areas and ensure close coordination between the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
