Rivers in Punjab witness alarming rise in water levels: PDMA

LAHORE: Continuous rains have triggered a sharp rise in water levels across Punjab’s major rivers, including the Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and their tributaries, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned on Tuesday.

According to PDMA, a high-level flood is expected within the next 48 hours in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. At Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej River, water flow has reached 195,000 cusecs, creating a high-flood situation.

Meanwhile, at Head Sulemanki, the flow stands at 104,000 cusecs with an outflow of 98,000 cusecs, placing the area under a medium-level flood alert.

On the Ravi River, water flow at Jassar has climbed to 90,000 cusecs, while Shahdara faces a low-level flood with 40,000 cusecs recorded.

Water levels at Balloki (27,000 cusecs) and Sidhnai (12,000 cusecs) remain under watch. At Marala, inflow has surged to 107,000 cusecs, with 89,000 cusecs being discharged, while Khanki reports 91,000 cusecs inflow and 84,000 cusecs outflow.

India shared flood warning through diplomatic channels, not IWT: FO

PDMA officials have also warned of possible flooding in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan. The Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma, along with minor tributaries like Naala Dek and Basantar, is experiencing low-level floods, while Naala Bheen and Naala Palkhu face medium-level flooding.

Relief Commissioner Punjab has urged residents living along riverbanks to move to safer locations immediately. The provincial government has set up flood relief camps in affected areas, promising essential facilities and medicines for displaced families.

CM DIRECTS FOR TIMELY EVACUATION

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure timely evacuation of people from flood-hit areas ahead of expected torrents, APP reported.

In a statement, the CM stressed using all available resources to prevent loss of life. She ordered immediate relocation of residents from riverside and low-lying regions to safer places, along with the swift shifting of livestock from rural flood zones.

Maryam called for round-the-clock monitoring of the situation, especially along the Sutlej River and other flood-prone areas.

“The government must ensure proper arrangements for shelter, food, and medical care of flood victims, including quick provision of snakebite vaccines,” she said.

She instructed district administrations, Rescue 1122, and all relevant departments in Kasur, Pakpattan, Taunsa Sharif, and other vulnerable districts to stay on high alert, warning that negligence in disaster response would not be tolerated.