Lahore on high alert for flood danger as Ravi River surges

Rising water levels in the Ravi River have forced large-scale evacuations in Lahore and nearby districts, with officials warning of an extreme flood situation.

Evacuations Underway

On Thursday morning, mosque announcements urged residents of low-lying areas to move to safer places with their families and livestock. Section 144 has been imposed to restrict unnecessary movement in flood-hit areas.

At Shahdara, the Ravi’s flow surged to 151,000 cusecs and could cross 200,000 cusecs within 12 hours, according to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). The river’s full capacity is 250,000 cusecs, and preparations are in place for a further rise.

Commissioner Lahore Asif Bilal Lodhi confirmed that around 500 families have been shifted to relief camps after complete evacuation of the riverbed and nearby villages.

At Jassar, the Ravi is also in extreme flood with 166,000 cusecs, while at Balloki, the flow has reached 82,000 cusecs and continues to rise.

Situation in Chenab and Sutlej Rivers

The Chenab River is easing in some areas but remains dangerous:

• Khanki Headworks: reduced from 1.05 million to 905,000 cusecs

• Qadirabad Headworks: still very high at 1.05 million cusecs

• Marala Headworks: dropped to 246,970 cusecs but still high flood level

The PDMA has warned of a possible breach at Qadirabad, which could threaten Hafizabad and Chiniot. Mines have been placed along embankments in Chiniot to reduce water pressure if needed.

Meanwhile, the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala recorded 261,000 cusecs, putting Kasur and Okara on high alert. At Sulemanki, medium flood levels are observed.

Loss of Lives and Damage

Floods have caused heavy destruction across Punjab. In Gujranwala division alone, at least 15 people have died, while 3 remain missing.

So far:

• 600,000 people affected across Punjab

• 150,000+ people and 35,000 animals evacuated

• 769 villages submerged

• Millions of acres of farmland damaged

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reported that deaths this monsoon are nearly three times higher than last year.

Historic Kartarpur Gurdwara Submerged

In Narowal, floodwaters entered the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, submerging its grounds. Over 150 Sikh pilgrims and staff trapped inside were rescued by emergency teams under the supervision of Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal and provincial minister Ramesh Singh Arora.

The Narowal–Shakargarh road has also been cut off, leaving nearby villages isolated.

Widespread Displacement

Floodwaters from the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab have spread into multiple districts, including Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Okara, Faisalabad (Tandlianwala), and Sahiwal.

• In Nankana Sahib, villages like Hira, Nawan Kot, and Khizra Abad are underwater.

• In Okara, the town of Jandran Kalan (30,000+ residents) is inundated.

• In Faisalabad, over 100 settlements in Tandlianwala tehsil are at risk.

Relief efforts are ongoing, with 263 relief camps and 161 medical camps set up to provide food, medicine, and temporary shelter.

Govt Response

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has released Rs900 million for emergency relief and directed urgent evacuation of at-risk populations.

Rescue 1122 reported that nearly 40,000 people have been moved to safety from districts including Sialkot, Sargodha, Chiniot, Gujranwala, Nankana Sahib, Lahore, Narowal, Kasur, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, and Lodhran.

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