PDMA maintains high flood alert as rivers swell across Punjab

WEB DESK: The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Thursday reiterated the warning of extremely high flood levels at multiple points along the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers, as water inflows surged to dangerous levels, submerging settlements and crops in several districts.

According to PDMA Director General, Irfan Ali Kathia, water flow at Shahdara in Lahore has reached 151,000 cusecs and is expected to rise further, with up to 200,000 cusecs likely to pass through the point. Extremely high flood levels were also reported at Jassar on the Ravi with 166,000 cusecs, while a high flood persists at Head Balloki with 93,000 cusecs. The authority confirmed that residents living along the Ravi’s banks had been shifted to safer areas.

In Hafizabad, the River Chenab is experiencing a high-level flood at the Qadirabad Barrage, submerging dozens of villages, roads, and damaging crops in the area. Authorities reported that a breach near the barrage has allowed floodwater to enter Waneike Tarar. The Deputy Commissioner of Hafizabad has directed residents of affected areas to move to safer locations.

Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed urged citizens not to gather unnecessarily around riverbanks and warned against recreational visits to flooded areas.

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In Gujranwala, multiple streams and nullahs have swelled: Deg Nullah at Kangra Bridge and Super Passage is carrying over 3,500 and 1,300 cusecs respectively, while Aik Nullah at Urah Bridge has surged to 48,000 cusecs. The Ravi siphon in the district recorded inflows exceeding 166,000 cusecs.

The situation is particularly dire in Bahawalnagar, where flooding in the Sutlej at Bhukkar Pattan has inundated villages and crops. Breaches were reported at protective embankments near Lashkar Chowk, Farid Nagar, and Nazir Wali Bhini. At Head Sulemanki, inflows and outflows stood at 109,305 cusecs, impacting Manchanabad, Chishtian, and Bahawalnagar towns. Deputy Commissioner Zulfiqar Ahmed assured that the administration was prepared to handle any emergency.

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In Kasur, PDMA issued a high flood alert at Head Ganda Singh, where inflows peaked at 261,000 cusecs and water levels rose to 23 feet. Meanwhile, Flood Forecasting Division reported that Tarbela Dam is filled to 100% capacity, while Mangla stands at 79%. Water levels also remain high at Khanpur, Rawal, and Simly dams.

High flood warnings are currently in place for the Ravi at Shahdara, Jassar, and Balloki; the Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala and Head Sulemanki; and the Chenab at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad. Medium flood levels were also recorded at Head Islam and Sulemanki, while lower levels are being observed in smaller tributaries connected to Ravi and Chenab.