Ravi River expected to face biggest flood in nearly four decades: PDMA

LAHORE: Heavy monsoon rains have caused rivers across Punjab to swell, creating a serious flood situation at several points in the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Wednesday.

Several districts, including Sialkot and Narowal, are facing severe challenges as relief efforts continue.

Chenab in high flood

The PDMA reported that the Chenab River at Head Marala is facing a very high flood, where water inflows have reached 769,000 cusecs and outflows are around 762,000 cusecs.

At Head Khanki, the river has crossed the 700,000 cusecs mark, while at Head Qadirabad the outflow is 307,000 cusecs. Officials said embankments are under pressure, urging people near riverbanks to stay alert.

DG PDMA warns of major Ravi flood expected tonight

In Lahore, the Ravi River continued to swell, prompting authorities to sound sirens in nearby areas to warn residents. Rescue 1122 teams, along with Punjab Rangers and police, were deployed along the riverbanks to ensure public safety and respond swiftly in case of an emergency.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said the situation at the Ravi River remains critical and requires close monitoring. He noted that the river is currently carrying around 190,000 cusecs at Jassar, while the flow at Shahdara stands at 72,000 cusecs.

Kathia warned that a powerful wave of nearly 190,000 cusecs is expected to pass through Shahdara by tonight. With the capacity of Shahdara headworks at 200,000 cusecs, officials cautioned that this could be the largest flood to hit the Ravi in 39 years.

Sutlej situation

The Sutlej River is also facing intense pressure. At Ganda Singh Wala, outflow has reached 245,000 cusecs, placing it in the very high flood category, while at Head Sulemanki the discharge is 100,000 cusecs.

The Sutlej River is also under strain, with a very high flood recorded at Ganda Singh Wala, where outflow stands at 245,000 cusecs. At Head Sulemanki, the level is around 100,000 cusecs, considered a medium flood.

Sialkot and Narowal affected

Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin visited flood-affected areas of Sialkot, including Nala Aik, Nala Bhed and Nala Palkhu, where he directed WASA officials to utilise all resources for drainage.

He also inspected the District Emergency Operation Centre at the DC office and said that nine relief camps had been set up to provide facilities to affected families. He warned officials against negligence and urged residents to stay away from swollen streams.

In Narowal, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal confirmed that large areas have come under water after the spillover of Nala Dek. Dozens of families have been shifted to safer places, while the worsening situation led authorities to call in the army for rescue and relief work.

Authorities on high alert

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed has directed all deputy commissioners to remain in the field and ensure timely response. The PDMA said rescue teams are on standby and monitoring continues round the clock.