The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed on Thursday that at least 17 people have died in devastating floods across the province, while dozens remain missing. Water levels in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers continue to pose a severe threat, with fluctuating flows recorded at multiple headworks.
Rising river levels
According to the PDMA’s 9 p.m. report, the Chenab River showed falling trends at most points:
- Marala Headworks: 154,040 cusecs (falling)
- Khanki Headworks: 259,815 cusecs (steady)
- Qadirabad Headworks: 425,993 cusecs (falling)
- Trimmu Headworks: 98,994 cusecs (falling)
In the Ravi River, rising trends were noted at several downstream points:
- Ravi Siphon: 220,627 cusecs (rising)
- Shahdara: 219,770 cusecs (rising)
- Sidhnai Headworks: 25,743 cusecs (rising)
- Balloki Headworks: 117,490 cusecs (steady)
The Sutlej River continues to carry heavy inflows:
- Ganda Singh Wala: 261,053 cusecs (steady)
- Sulemanki Headworks: 113,124 cusecs (rising)
- Islam Headworks: 54,756 cusecs (steady)
Officials warned that sustained high inflows over the next 24 hours could place enormous pressure on low-lying districts.
Flooding devastates villages, displaces millions
Floodwaters from the three rivers have inundated nearly 1,400 villages, forcing over 1.2 million people to flee their homes.
- Chenab River: 991 villages, 769,281 people affected
- Ravi River: 80 villages, 74,775 people displaced
- Sutlej River: 361 villages, 392,768 people displaced
The NDMA confirmed that 210,000 people have been relocated to safer locations, including 25,000 in official rescue camps. Additionally, more than 148,000 livestock have been shifted, with 234 animal treatment camps established to provide veterinary support.
Government response and leadership visits
Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that timely evacuations in Shahdara averted a larger tragedy. “The Punjab and federal governments are working day and night to protect lives and property. Rescue 1122 teams and other agencies are conducting relief operations via boats, with the priority being to safeguard human life,” she said during a field visit.
She added that both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had personally visited flood-hit areas in Sialkot and Narowal to monitor relief work.
Prime Minister’s call for long-term solutions
Chairing a briefing in Narowal, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the urgent need to enhance Pakistan’s water storage capacity to reduce flood risks. He highlighted Diamer Bhasha Dam, Mohmand Dam, and potential reservoirs in Chiniot as critical projects.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, he praised the armed forces for working with civil authorities in rescue and relief efforts. NDMA Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik briefed the meeting, noting that this year’s monsoon has been more intense and prolonged than in previous years.
CM Maryam Nawaz’s on-ground inspection
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, inspecting Shahdara by boat, described the current situation as a “flood emergency caused by unprecedented rains and water releases from India.” She praised the administration’s preparedness, stating:
“Had there been no prior clearing of drains and canals, the damage would have been far worse. Such a flood has occurred after 38 years.”
Rahim Yar Khan braces for Indus flood wave
Authorities in Rahim Yar Khan are preparing for a massive flood wave of 1.2 million cusecs expected in the Indus River within 36 hours — the largest since the 2010 super floods.
Deputy Commissioner Khurram Pervaiz said Section 144 has been imposed to enforce evacuations, with 95 settlements likely to be affected, endangering 325,000 people and 557,000 livestock.
Understanding flood levels (FFD classification)
- Low flood: Flows slightly above normal
- Medium flood: Rising water threatening villages near banks
- High flood: Overflow risk, embankments under severe pressure
- Very high flood: Large-scale inundation expected
- Exceptionally high flood: Flows exceed safe design limits of barrages
Public advisory
Punjab PDMA Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed directed officials to stay on-ground and accelerate evacuations. “Protecting lives and property is the top priority,” he said, adding that all institutions remain on high alert.
1 Comment
635wej