Lahore under 'threat of disaster' if flood level doesn't drop: Sources

Fears are growing that Lahore’s Shahdara area may be submerged as a massive flood relay in the Ravi River approaches within the next 24 hours.

Officials said 250,000 cusecs of water from India has reached Head Sulemanki, raising concerns of a potential disaster in Lahore if the pressure does not drop to safer levels.

Rising flood threat in Ravi, Chenab

According to official sources, the incoming flood wave in the Ravi River could severely impact Shahdara on the right bank if the discharge continues above 250,000 cusecs. Authorities are monitoring the flow closely, with hopes that the pressure will ease to 150,000 cusecs before it enters Lahore. 

Meanwhile, the Chenab River is also experiencing record-high levels. At Head Marala, the flood relay has decreased from 900,000 to 500,000 cusecs, but downstream areas remain in danger. A one-million-cusec discharge has been recorded at Khanki, with water expected to reach Qadirabad within hours, where levels have already touched 975,000 cusecs.

Flood damage in Punjab

The worsening situation has already caused widespread devastation across Punjab. In Gujrat’s Shahbazpur, the dam of the Chenab River broke, flooding settlements. Three children drowned in the rising waters, with locals recovering two bodies and saving one themselves due to delayed rescue access. At least 100 people remain trapped in flood-hit areas. 

Districts along the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers have been severely affected. Official figures show:

• 61,126 civilians affected across Punjab so far.

• More than 150,000 people impacted at 333 locations along the Chenab.

• 70,358 people affected across 101 locations near the Ravi River, including Narowal, Nankana, Kasur, and Sahiwal.

• 380,000 people in 335 mauzas displaced along the Sutlej River, with Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Multan, Vehari, Bahawalnagar and Bahawalpur among the hardest-hit.

Largest rescue operation in 38 years

For the first time in nearly four decades, Punjab has launched its largest-ever flood rescue and relief operation. Over 263 relief camps and 161 medical camps have been set up, providing food, medical aid, and temporary shelter to displaced families. Around 601,126 civilians have been affected by floods in the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers. 

Flood victims in Sambrial, Sialkot, and Pasrur continue to be provided food, water and other items. 

The Pakistan Army, Rescue 1122, police, and district administrations are jointly participating in operations, while boats are being used to shift stranded villagers and livestock to safer areas. Emergency has been imposed in hospitals where staff leaves have been cancelled. 

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid tribute to the frontline workers and vowed full rehabilitation for the victims. “Rehabilitating every family affected by the floods in Punjab is my mission. We will provide all possible help to the homeless until they return to their homes,” she said.

Crisis worsens in districts

• Daska: Nullah Eik burst and two cracks developed, inundating Ismail Awan and agricultural lands of dozens of villages in Kotli Bhago and nearby areas. The floodwater is flowing towards residential areas, affecting the settlements if the water level increases.

• Phoolnagar & Nankana Sahib: At Ravi Head Balloki, inflows continue rising, reaching nearly 100,000 cusecs, with outflows at 80,000 cusecs. Several villages have already gone under water, forcing evacuations. So far, 24 people have been shifted to a safe place. 
  At Nankana Sahib, a moderate flood is being witnessed at Ravi River at Head Balloki, while the water level continues to rise rapidly. Water inflow at Head Balloki records 88,830 cusecs, outflow 76,930 cusecs, inundating dozens of villages. 

• Burewala: Rescue operations are underway as rising water threatens communities near Jhamlera; 65 people were forcibly evacuated and shifted to a safe place. Authorities warn of a major flood in the next 24 hours. 

• Chiniot: Officials declared a flood emergency, warning that one million cusecs of water will pass through soon. Over 100 villages are at risk in what the DC calls the “biggest flood since 1992", while over 1,800 people have been rescued. 

• Phalia: A rescue boat capsized in Nullah Sem at Qadirabad after hitting a bridge during operations, though personnel were rescued safely.

• Kasur: Villages near Ganda Singhwala have been submerged by floodwaters, and rescue operations are underway to move residents to safety. However, many locals are refusing to evacuate unless they are allowed to take their livestock with them.
  
  
• 133 mauzas in Sialkot, 16 in Wazirabad, 20 in Gujrat, 12 in Mandi Bahauddin, and 52 in Jhang affected by flood. 

NDMA: River Ravi and Chenab flood situation update

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert, warning of rising water levels in Ravi and Chenab rivers as fresh monsoon winds bring heavy rains to the upper and central parts of the country.

River Ravi situation
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre, moderate to heavy rains are expected in the watershed areas of River Ravi over the next two days.

At Jassar, the river is currently experiencing an unusually high flood level with a water flow of 202,020 cusecs. The flow is also continuing at moderate flood levels at Shahdara and Balloki, posing a threat to nearby areas. Narowal, Shahdara and the northern suburbs of Lahore may be particularly affected. 

Districts and union councils at high risk include:

• Lahore: Shahdara, Kot Mahbub, Jia Musa, Aziz Colony, Qaiser Town, Faisal Park, Dhir, Begum Kot

• Sheikhupura & Ferozewala: Faizpur, Dhamek, Daka, Burj Attari, Kot Abdul Malik

• Nankana Sahib: Ganeshpur

• Kasur: Pattoki, Phoolnagar, Rukh Khan Ke, Nathe Khalsa, Lambe Jagir, Kot Sardar, Hanjre Kalan, Bhaterwal Kalan, Nowshera

Flooding is also feared in Ghauspur, Mian Channu, Umeed Garh, Kot Islam, Abdul Hakeem, and Kabirwala in Khanewal district.

River Chenab situation
The NDMA spokesperson further stated that the flood flow in River Chenab is expected to rise to 950,000–1,000,000 cusecs at Qadirabad. Additional inflows of 8,000–10,000 cusecs are expected as River Jhelum merges into Chenab at Trimmu.

After peaking at Qadirabad on Wednesday, the high flood wave is likely to reach Jhang and Trimmu within the next 2–3 days.

Areas and union councils at risk from River Chenab include:

• Jhang District: Athara Hazari, Ahmedpur Sial, Garh Maharaja, Bagh, Kot Shakir

• Muzaffargarh District: Rohilanwali, Shahr Sultan, Baseera, Muradabad, Rangpur

• Multan District: Jalalpur Peerwala, Sher Shah, Basti Maluk, southern Multan suburbs

• Bahawalpur District: Uch Sharif, Head Rajgan, Khairpur Tamewali, Ahmedpur East near Panjnad

• Layyah & Dera Ghazi Khan: Chowk Azam, Taunsa and adjoining areas

Road ahead

With water levels rising in Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab, the next 24 to 48 hours are considered critical for Lahore, Shahdara and surrounding districts. Authorities remain on high alert, urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate to safer places immediately.