High flood alert: India releases water from Thein Dam into Ravi

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a high flood alert after India released massive water flows from the Thein Dam into the Ravi River.

Authorities have warned of dangerous water levels in multiple districts over the next 48 hours.

Over 210,000 cusecs of water entering Pakistan

According to a PDMA spokesperson, 210,000 cusecs of water is currently entering Pakistan from Kot Nainan, with inflows expected to rise further within 24 hours. The authority warned that the water level in the Ravi River is continuously rising, and a very high-level flood will pass through Jassar, Shahdara, and Head Balloki in the coming two days. 

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) of NDMA has issued an alert regarding the severity of the possible flood situation in Pakistan’s rivers. Authorities have confirmed that the Indian dam is nearly full and currently releasing 77,000 cusecs of water after opening its spillways.

Due to the release from the Indian dam, a high-level flood is expected in the Ravi River. A significant increase in water levels is also expected in the Pir Panjal range drains, including Ben, Basantar, and Dek.

Sutlej River situation

Water is also being released from the Pong and Bhakra dams in India, increasing flows in the Sutlej River. At Ganda Singhwala, the discharge at 10:45pm was 188,810 cusecs, which could rise to 220,000 cusecs in the next 12 hours, creating a severe flood situation.

Chenab River under pressure

Meanwhile, heavy inflows from Jammu Tawi and Manawar Tawi have caused water levels at Head Marala on the Chenab River to exceed 400,000 cusecs. Authorities warn that the flow could reach 600,000 cusecs by 11pm, triggering severe flooding in the Chenab basin.

District administrations on high alert

The PDMA has alerted commissioners of Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, Sahiwal, and Faisalabad, alongside deputy commissioners of adjoining districts. Instructions have been issued to immediately evacuate citizens living near the Ravi River basin.

“Announcements should be made through mosques to warn residents of the possible situation,” PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said, adding that no negligence would be tolerated in protecting lives and property. 

Also Read: Evacuation begins as Punjab rivers face high flood risk in 48 hours

On the other hand, water flow continues to increase in River Chenab at Head Marala with the flood situation moving to a very high level. Water discharge at Head Marala reached 454,064 cusecs around 09:30pm. 

Precautionary measures urged

Officials stressed the need for proactive steps to minimize losses, urging people in flood-prone areas to cooperate with civil administration and follow safety instructions. “Precautionary measures can prevent large-scale damage,” the PDMA chief emphasised. 

Rescue 1122 on high alert in Sialkot

Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 in Sialkot has been placed on high alert due to ongoing floods and heavy rains. Rescue posts have been set up in Syedpur Tawi Chaprad, Head Marala, Bajwat, Pasrur, Chahor, Noorpur Saifan, Kalowal Syedan, Panna, Wali Teh Par, Randhir Bhagrian, Sambrial, and Shahbazpur.

Rescue officials confirmed that boats and emergency equipment have been deployed across all sectors to ensure timely relief. Teams remain on standby to assist citizens affected by rising waters and continuous rainfall since yesterday. 

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high alert, warning of possible severe flash flooding in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir due to continuous heavy rains and water inflows from India.

According to NDMA officials, intermittent downpours in northeast Punjab and AJK, combined with 190,000 cusecs of floodwater entering Pakistan from across the border, have raised fears of widespread inundation. 

Also Read: Pakistan confirms India's flood alert via diplomatic means, not IWT

Rising water levels in major rivers

NDMA expert Dr Tayyab confirmed that the upper reaches of Ravi and Chenab rivers are likely to experience high-level flooding in the coming 48 hours. He said there is also a threat of Sutlej River water increasing. 

• River Ravi at Jassar: Flow recorded at 115,000 cusecs, expected to rise to 150,000 cusecs.

• River Ravi at Shahdara: Flow recorded at 50,150 cusecs, which may surge to 90,000 cusecs if spillways of India’s Thein Dam are opened.

• Pir Panjal Range drains, including Ben, Basantar and Dek, are also expected to swell, creating flash flood risks in surrounding areas.

Sutlej River submerges villages in Kasur and beyond

In Kasur, the Sutlej River is experiencing a dangerous flow of 188,000 cusecs, forcing the evacuation of over 30 villages. Rescue teams, supported by the Pakistan Army and Rangers, are using boats to move families and livestock to safer areas. More than 3,000 residents have already been rescued.

The Livestock Department has vaccinated nearly 2,000 animals and treated another 2,500 to prevent disease outbreaks. Relief camps have been established at Talwar Post by various departments, including PDMA, Punjab Police, and Health Services. 

Also Read: Punjab on high alert as heavy rains trigger flood alert

Floodwaters have also inundated villages in Minchinabad and Burewala, where thousands of acres of crops and dozens of mud houses have been destroyed. In Burewala alone, 500 stranded people were rescued, while farmers suffered massive losses as thousands of acres of their standing crops went underwater. Furthermore, 90,000 cusecs of water will flow in the next 24 hours. 

Chenab River threatens Chiniot and Hafizabad

The Chenab River has seen a steady rise, with inflows reaching 100,000 cusecs at Chiniot. Floodwater from Head Marala has entered local settlements, prompting the district administration to issue a medium flood warning. Eight relief camps have been set up, and residents of low-lying areas have been urged to move to safer ground.

In Hafizabad, floods wreaked havoc as water submerged standing crops of rice and sugarcane, while several villages, including Mahmudpur and Bhawan Fazil Kot, were severely affected. Many families reported being left without timely relief support.

Bahawalpur on high alert

In Bahawalpur, the surging Sutlej broke through temporary embankments, sending water into residential areas and farmland. The district administration, along with rescue services, remains on high alert as floodwaters continue to rise. 

Also Read: Red Alert: Heavy rains, floods forecast in Punjab and Kashmir

District administrations in Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Vehari and Narowal have sought military support to evacuate vulnerable communities. Leave for government staff has been cancelled, with officials directed to stay in affected areas.

Thousands evacuated as rains continue

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab is preparing for large-scale evacuations in areas along the Sutlej River. Citizens have been advised to stay away from rivers, drains, and low-lying areas, and to avoid unnecessary travel.

The public is urged to follow updates and alerts issued through the NDMA Disaster Alert App. NDMA has directed all relevant agencies and emergency services to remain on high alert to deal with the worsening situation.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed said more than 24,000 people have already been moved to safer locations from flood-prone areas along the Indus, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej. With heavy monsoon rains forecast, authorities fear worsening conditions.

PM orders emergency measures

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed NDMA chairman and Punjab disaster authorities to:

• Expedite rescue operations in flood-affected districts.

• Evacuate stranded families to safer locations without delay.

• Ensure the immediate provision of food, tents, and medicines.

• Intensify security and surveillance at Ganda Singh Wala and other vulnerable points along River Sutlej.

• Maintain close coordination between federal and provincial disaster management teams.