Flood threat grows in Punjab, 1.5 lakh people evacuated

Nearly 150000 people have been shifted to safer areas after the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued alerts over the rising waters in the Sutlej and Ravi rivers, following heavy rains and India’s release of water into both streams.

The NDMA alert prompted the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to launch large-scale evacuation operations in vulnerable districts, including Bahawalnagar, Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalpur, and Vehari. Emergency teams were deployed, and all relevant departments were placed on high alert to protect lives and property. According to official figures, 89868 people were evacuated from Bahawalnagar, 14140 from Kasur, 2063 from Okara, 873 from Pakpattan, 361 from Bahawalpur, and 165 from Vehari. Another 40000 residents moved voluntarily soon after the initial warnings. Citizens have been advised to avoid rivers, streams, and low-lying areas and to strictly follow safety instructions issued via TV, radio, mobile alerts, and the NDMA app.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the authorities to ensure timely evacuation of stranded families as flood torrents approach. Rescue 1122 confirmed that water flow in the Sutlej had reached 195000 cusecs and could rise to 250000 cusecs. In Kasur district, 2281 people and 1068 cattle were moved to relief camps, with a major camp established at Check Post Talwar in the Shikhpuranu area. Meanwhile, the Ravi River is facing medium flooding at several points, while the Indus has reached medium levels at Sukkur and low levels at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu, and Kotri. The Chenab is experiencing low flooding at Head Marala, while Jhelum, Kabul, and Nari rivers remain normal.

The NDMA warned that more rainfall in Indian states, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, could increase inflows into Pakistani rivers in the coming days.