Punjab flood: Ravi River in Lahore rises further, several villages submerged

The flood crisis in Punjab continues to worsen as water levels rise sharply in major rivers, forcing mass evacuations and large-scale rescue efforts.

Authorities report that more than 45,000 people have been shifted to safety from across Punjab -- over 3,000 evacuated from flood-affected areas, while fresh inflows in the Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum, Sutlej, and Indus rivers have put multiple districts on high alert. 

The most affected areas include Gujrat, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur, Okara and Pakpattan districts. 

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) is monitoring the flood situation in real time through its monitoring room, where data on river water flows and potential threats is displayed on large digital screens. Sensitive areas are being identified and immediately reported to district administrations for timely action. 

Also Read: Rivers Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej face extraordinary flooding; NDMA issues high alert

Officials said the system also provides advance warnings of possible floods, with the Flood Forecasting Division actively monitoring conditions using modern technology.

Rising water in Ravi River at Shahdara

The Ravi River in Lahore has swelled to 219,770 cusecs and at the Siphon point reaching 220,627 cusecs, dangerously close to its full capacity. Authorities have warned that the water level is expected to increase further in the coming hours.
Moreover, flood level in the river at Jassar has receded to 113,000 cusecs. Officials have attributed the surge to what they termed “Indian water aggression". 

Evacuations in Lahore’s Farrukhabad

Low-lying areas around Shahdara have been badly affected. The Farrukhabad area, located along the banks of the Ravi, has been completely evacuated after dozens of houses were submerged. Power supply to the area has also been cut off to avoid accidents. Rescue teams, along with Punjab Police, are moving residents to safer locations.

Also Read: Punjab reels under worsening flood crisis as major rivers overflow

A large number of residents gathered at the Ravi Bridge to witness the rising waters, with many taking selfies despite the looming danger. Authorities have advised people in low-lying and riverbank areas to immediately move to safer locations. 

Chenab River flood shows mixed trends

At Qadirabad Barrage in Hafizabad, inflows have reduced to a record 660,000 cusecs. However, floodwaters have already entered the limits of Pindi Bhatian and Jalalpur, affecting local communities. Six relief centres have been established, and 12 boating points set up to aid evacuation. 

Deputy Commissioner Abdul Razaq confirmed that over 1,200 people have been rescued in Hafizabad alone, while dozens of villages remain cut off due to submerged roads. "Water level is continuously decreasing at Qadirabad Barrage, though floodwaters have entered Jalapur and Pindi Bhatian," said the DC. 

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However, at Head Marala, the Chenab’s flow dropped sharply by a record 577,600 cusecs - from 769,500 cusecs to 191,900 cusecs - within 24 hours, offering temporary relief. 

Chenab River flood threatens Chiniot, Kot Momin

Due to extremely high flood levels in the Chenab River, several rivers and canals in Chiniot have overflowed. A dangerous crack has appeared in the Sem Canal on Jhang Road, posing a serious threat to nearby populations.

• 61,000 people across 87 villages have been affected.

• 14,000 houses have sustained damage.

• Crops standing on 100,000 acres of farmland have been submerged.

The situation is more severe in Kot Momin, where the Chenab has reached a “very dangerous” level. Around 20 villages have been completely submerged, leaving thousands without shelter. Residents say floodwaters have entered their homes, leaving them without food, clean drinking water, or electricity.

Many families are waiting desperately for government assistance. Authorities warn that the situation could worsen if the canal breach expands further.

Head Marala and Sialkot affected

In Sialkot, the water flow at Head Marala has dropped to 164,000 cusecs, but dozens of houses remain under water. Many families have been unable to return home and are forced to live under the open sky. Women, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, struggling without electricity, gas, or clean water.

Situation in other rivers

• Jhelum River: Inflow has increased by 14,900 cusecs, now at 43,300 cusecs.

• Indus River: Water levels rose by 6,600 cusecs in the past day.

• Kabul River: Recorded an increase of 2,000 cusecs in inflow.

• Sutlej River: Pakpattan faces worsening conditions with the flood expected to cross 150,000 cusecs in the next 24 hours.

Deputy Commissioner Asif Raza said evacuation is ongoing, assuring that “no one will be left alone in the flood situation.”

Massive rescue and relief operations

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has mobilised extensive relief efforts:

• 30 districts affected across Punjab.

• 9,500+ rescue workers and volunteers deployed.

• 669 boats used for evacuations.

• 3,000+ people evacuated in the past 24 hours.

• In Nankana Sahib, 1,553 residents and 2,392 cattle were shifted to safe areas, with 568 women and 318 children among the rescued.

• Moreover, 816 people have been evacuated from Kala Shedian in Mandi Bahauddin and 625 people from Pindi Bhattian tehsil of Hafizabad in 24 hours. 

• 7 flood relief camps have been set up, providing shelter, food, and medical care.

High risk in Kasur, Pakpattan, Kamalia

• Phalia (Chenab River): Dozens of villages have been submerged due to the extremely high flood in the Chenab as most of the connecting embankment between Head Qadirabad and Qadirabad city is under water. Land routes have been cut off.

• Kamalia: Five waterways of Kamalia Bridge remain completely blocked due to rising Ravi waters, raising fears of flooding in nearby settlements. Farmers warn that cracks under the bridge could trigger widespread destruction if not addressed.

• Pakpattan (Sutlej River): The flood situation is worsening, with water levels expected to cross 150,000 cusecs within the next 24 hours. The deputy commissioner has issued a “very high flood alert,” assuring residents that evacuation efforts are ongoing and no one will be left behind.

Also Read: India releases more water into Sutlej River amid exceptionally high floods

In Kasur and Pakpattan, Sutlej’s rising levels have prompted high flood alerts. Farmers near Kamalia Bridge voiced concern over cracks under the structure, warning that uncontrolled water could devastate nearby populations if the bridge gives way.

Sutlej River rising in Bahawalpur

In Bahawalpur, the water level in the Sutlej River continues to rise at the Empress Bridge. Strong water flow and ongoing land erosion have been reported, while floodwaters have entered residential settlements. 

Also Read: Lahore on high alert as rising Ravi floods force evacuations

Rescue 1122 teams and the district administration are engaged in protective measures. However, a breach in the Arghi Dam in Basti Yousaf Wala and Ahmed Wala has led to water entering homes, forcing families to evacuate.

Authorities remain on high alert

Rescue agencies and the district administrations remain on standby as fears of another million cusecs of water entering the Chenab River loom. Residents in flood-prone areas continue to migrate with their belongings, while officials maintain that every possible measure is being taken to ensure safety.