Army deployed for flood relief in Punjab’s worst-hit districts

LAHORE: With rivers in Punjab swelling to dangerous levels, the provincial government has called in the Pakistan Army to assist civil authorities in flood-hit areas. According to the Home Department, army units have been deployed in Hafizabad for rescue and relief operations, with eight other districts also requesting immediate military support.

A spokesperson said the move was taken to protect lives and assist local administrations in managing emergencies. Army Aviation and other resources are being mobilised where needed, while the number of troops in each district is being decided in consultation with local officials.

The government added that all relevant departments are monitoring the flood situation round-the-clock and assured that every possible step is being taken to safeguard people’s lives and property.

In Mandi Bahauddin, high-level flood has been reported at Qadirabad on the River Chenab, with a massive flow of 950,000 cusecs passing through the barrage. To protect the Qadirabad Barrage, authorities deliberately breached a protective embankment using explosives, Deputy Commissioner Faisal Saleem confirmed. The breach, aimed at diverting pressure, has left more than 35 villages under water, displacing local communities. Rescue and relief operations are underway, with at least 200 people already shifted to safer locations. Officials said efforts are being made to prevent further damage as floodwaters continue to threaten nearby settlements.

Meanwhile, in Sialkot, floodwaters from Nullah Aik entered residential areas, submerging Khawaja Safdar Road under three feet of water. Rescue efforts are underway, with residents being evacuated using boats and tractor-trolleys.

Chenab in high flood

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (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.