An unusual flood situation has developed in the Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej rivers, prompting the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to issue a high alert, warning of possible damage in multiple cities of Punjab.

According to NDMA, an extremely high water flow of 901,000 cusecs was recorded at Qadirabad on the Chenab River and 859,000 cusecs at Khanki. The overflowing waters are likely to affect Gujrat, Hafizabad, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Chiniot and Jhang districts.

At Jassar on the Ravi River, the flow reached 139,000 cusecs and swelled to over 164,000 cusecs while crossing Shahdara, raising fears of flooding in Lahore’s Kot Mando, Faisal Park, Aziz Colony and adjoining areas of Narowal. In Sheikhupura district, Dhamikey and Dhaka villages, along with Ghauspur and Abdul Hakim in Khanewal district, are also at risk.

Meanwhile, on the Sutlej River, a strong wave of 261,000 cusecs was recorded at Ganda Singh Wala, threatening low-lying areas in Okara, Pakpattan, Nankana Sahib, Vehari and Bahawalnagar.

The NDMA said that rescue and relief operations are being carried out in coordination with Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) to minimize the damage in affected districts.

Punjab deputes ministers for flood emergency response

Punjab government has assigned cabinet ministers to lead flood emergency response efforts across divisions and districts in the province.

According to official sources, ministers will directly supervise relief operations, coordinate with district administrations, and ensure timely evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas. They have also been tasked with monitoring the distribution of food, medicines, and other essential supplies to flood-hit communities.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed ministers to stay in their assigned areas until the situation stabilizes. She emphasized the need for rapid rescue operations, proper shelter arrangements, and continuous communication with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

Rescue 1122, district administrations, and local volunteers are actively engaged in relief efforts, while the provincial government has set up control rooms to provide real-time updates.

Heavy rains in Punjab have already inundated several villages along the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers, displacing thousands of residents. Authorities have urged people living in low-lying areas to move to safer locations as floodwater levels continue to rise.