LAHORE(National times)- Ravi River is flowing in very high flood level in Shahdara with water level continuously increasing. Currently 220,000 cusecs of water is passing in Shahdara, with expectations of further increase. Due to the serious risk of flooding in low-lying areas, a high alert has been issued. According to the Lahore Commissioner, the River Ravi has a capacity of 250,000 cusecs. All departments, including the district administration, are fully prepared to handle any untoward situation. Evacuation of residents from the affected areas is underway. At Jassar, the water flow has been recorded at over 166,000 cusecs, and at the Syphon point, a moderate flood has now turned into a high flood, with a flow of 99,700 cusecs. The threat of flooding in low-lying areas has intensified, prompting a high alert. The River Ravi’s floodwater has entered the Kartarpur Corridor. Punjab Rangers rescued 200 to 300 people stranded in the water and also rescued 35 people and their livestock trapped in Head Sulemanki area. Punjab Rangers, along with other agencies, continued rescue operations in flood-affected border areas. Narowal Road has been submerged under floodwater, and the Shakargarh Highway has been closed to traffic. In Shakargarh, a flood wave of 250,000 cusecs passed through Kot Nainan, submerging dozens of villages. At Bhiko Chak, a breach developed in the river embankment, prompting evacuations from the affected villages.
AROUND 210,000 PEOPLE SAFELY EVACUATED
Federal authorities say nearly 210,000 people have been safely evacuated from flood-affected regions across Pakistan with no casualties reported. Speaking to the media, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) chairman Lt Gen Malik said large-scale rescue efforts are being carried out in close coordination with the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Rescue 1122, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and other agencies, with evacuees relocated to relief camps where they are receiving medical care, food, and other essential services. He said the NDMA has issued early warnings for a new spell of rainfall expected between August 29 and September 9, particularly in the catchment zones of the flooded areas, adding that local administrations, NGOs, and other stakeholders have been alerted to take precautionary measures to minimise potential losses. The chairman said the water flow at Panjnad is expected to surge between 600,000 to 700,000 cusecs in the coming days and the NDMA is actively sharing early warning information with the Sindh PDMA and other relevant authorities to ensure timely preparedness. Pressure levels at key downstream points such as Kotri and Guddu are also being monitored closely, while evacuation from flood-affected areas along the Sutlej River will continue as water levels rise. Army formations are implementing evacuation measures in their respective zones under directives from the army chief with priority given to relocating vulnerable populations. The chairman said additional rainfall is expected in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, prompting the NDMA to urge citizens to stay informed through the NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application. He reaffirmed that early warnings have been issued for the next 25 to 45 days, with a particular focus on northern Punjab, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, where heavy rainfall may lead to further flooding. Residents along the Chenab, from Qadirabad to Pindi Bhattian, have been urged to evacuate immediately.
RIVER CHENAB
River Chenab is flowing in extremely high flood level at Head Qadirabad, where the situation remains extremely dangerous. The water flow has reached 1,054,000 cusecs, and erosion at Qadirabad Headworks is intensifying, raising fears of a breach. To protect Head Qadirabad, two embankments of River Chenab have been breached by the authorities — one near Mandi Bahauddin and another at Alipur Chatha. Authorities have appealed to residents living near the riverbanks to evacuate. At Head Khanki, the water flow has reached 981,700 cusecs.
RIVER SUTLEJ
Meanwhile, the River Sutlej is also in high flood. At Head Ganda Singh, the water flow has reached 245,000 cusecs. In Bahawalnagar, the rising water levels have cut off ground access to several villages. A high flood warning has been issued at Head Sulemanki. Rescue operations involving Rangers, the Army, and Police are ongoing in the affected regions. Thousands of people and livestock have been relocated to safer areas. In Arifwala, a severe flood in the River Sutlej has submerged the areas of Kund Shams, Kund Qabil, and Bilari Kasuria. Numerous small and large settlements have been surrounded by floodwaters. In Pakpattan, 100,000 cusecs water is passing through the Baba Farid Bridge. Emergency alerts have been issued, and mosque loudspeakers are being used to urge residents in river belt areas to evacuate immediately. More than 100 small and large settlements have been affected by flooding. Over 4,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations, while several villages have been cut off due to submerged and broken roads. Floodwaters in the River Sutlej have inundated 30 villages in border areas, causing widespread damage and displacement.
