Heavy monsoon rains, along with the sudden release of water from India, have caused major flooding across Punjab. The government has sent army forces to eight districts—Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, Okara, Sargodha, and Sheikhupura—said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The Punjab government approved the emergency deployment after district administrations requested immediate assistance. Rescue 1122, police, and civil defence teams are currently active in the affected areas, but rising river levels have created a severe situation. Authorities stated that additional support, including Army Aviation and boats, will be provided if the conditions deteriorate further.
Rivers Overflowing
The Irrigation Department reported very high water levels in major rivers:
- Chenab (Head Marala): Over 900,000 cusecs, at extremely dangerous levels.
- Chenab (Khanki): 657,511 cusecs, making downstream flooding worse.
- Ravi (Jassar): 226,240 cusecs, threatening Shahdara and nearby Motorway-2 areas.
- Sutlej (Ganda Singh Wala): 245,236 cusecs, expected to reach 280,000 cusecs in 12 hours.
Gujranwala Commissioner Naveed Haider Shirazi warned that the Chenab could overflow if flows reach 1.5 million cusecs, but relief camps and evacuation plans are already in place.