Lahore,( Khyber point)Torrential rains and the release of excess water from India have triggered severe flooding across Punjab, leaving at least 20 people dead, destroying crops, and displacing thousands of residents. Rivers Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej have swelled to dangerous levels, submerging entire villages and wreaking havoc across multiple districts.
According to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), a massive flood wave entered Jhang from the Chenab River, forcing authorities to breach the embankment near Rewas Bridge in an attempt to divert water and protect urban centers. Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed confirmed that large-scale evacuations were carried out to safeguard lives.
The situation in Lahore worsened as the Ravi River spilled over, inundating suburban villages. Areas including Mohlanwal, Muridwal, Shafiqabad, Afghan Colony, and Chuhang were evacuated, while four blocks of Park View Housing Society were also flooded. Rescue teams shifted families to safety, with temporary camps set up in schools and relief centers offering shelter, food, and medical care.
The National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) has issued a severe flood alert for the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej. Water levels continue to fluctuate: at Shahdara, flows peaked at 220,000 cusecs — the largest surge since 1988 — though levels have since begun to recede. At the same time, the Sutlej at Sulemanki and Ganda Singh Wala remains under critical stress, while over 1700 villages across Punjab have already been inundated.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia noted that India’s Madhopur Headworks continues releasing around 80,000 cusecs into the Ravi, which will impact Chiniot, Rewas Bridge, and potentially further downstream into Multan’s river system. “Rewas Bridge is currently our greatest concern. Controlled breaches may be necessary to protect Jhang city,” he said.
So far, more than 400,000 people have been evacuated to safer areas. However, authorities warn that the combination of high river inflows and persistent rainfall may worsen the crisis in the coming days.
Emergency teams remain on high alert, with the Punjab government coordinating relief and rescue operations round the clock. Officials stressed that citizens living near riverbanks must comply with evacuation orders immediately to avoid further loss of life.
