LAHORE , Federal authorities say nearly 210,000 people have been safely evacuated from flood-affected regions across Pakistan with no casualties reported.
Speaking to the media, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) chairman Lt Gen Malik said large-scale rescue efforts are being carried out in close coordination with the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Rescue 1122, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and other agencies, with evacuees relocated to relief camps where they are receiving medical care, food, and other essential services.
He said the NDMA has issued early warnings for a new spell of rainfall expected between August 29 and September 9, particularly in the catchment zones of the flooded areas, adding that local administrations, NGOs, and other stakeholders have been alerted to take precautionary measures to minimise potential losses.
The chairman said the water flow at Panjnad is expected to surge between 600,000 to 700,000 cusecs in the coming days and the NDMA is actively sharing early warning information with the Sindh PDMA and other relevant authorities to ensure timely preparedness.
Pressure levels at key downstream points such as Kotri and Guddu are also being monitored closely, while evacuation from flood-affected areas along the Sutlej River will continue as water levels rise.
Army formations are implementing evacuation measures in their respective zones under directives from the army chief with priority given to relocating vulnerable populations.
The chairman said additional rainfall is expected in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, prompting the NDMA to urge citizens to stay informed through the NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application.
He reaffirmed that early warnings have been issued for the next 25 to 45 days, with a particular focus on northern Punjab, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, where heavy rainfall may lead to further flooding.
Residents along the Chenab, from Qadirabad to Pindi Bhattian, have been urged to evacuate immediately.
RIVER RAVI
A day ago, India released 200,000 cusecs of water into the River Ravi as a result of which it is in extremely high flood level, prompting alerts in low-lying areas of Shahdara.
At Jassar, the River Ravi is in exceptionally high flood with a water flow of 229,700 cusecs. The river has put the Lahore to Islamabad section – M-2 – of Motorway in threat.
In Narowal, floodwaters from the River Ravi have entered the Kartarpur Corridor, raising concerns of serious damage to the Sikh religious site. The gurdwara premises have been submerged under 5 to 7 feet of water. Narowal Road and the Shakargarh highway have been closed to traffic due to flood.
A major breach has occurred in the protective embankment of River Ravi near Bhiko Chak in Shakargarh, resulting in the submergence of several villages. Evacuations are underway as floodwaters inundated a vast area. In village Jarmian Jhande, near Shakargarh, 21 people trapped in their houses by rising waters, were successfully rescued.
The water flow in the River Ravi continues to rise steadily. In response to the worsening situation, Civil Defence has issued a high alert and sirens have been sounded in the area.
RIVER SUTLEJ
Meanwhile, the River Sutlej is also in high flood. At Head Ganda Singh, the water flow has reached 245,000 cusecs.
In Bahawalnagar, the rising water levels have cut off ground access to several villages. A high flood warning has been issued at Head Sulemanki. Rescue operations involving Rangers, the Army, and Police are ongoing in the affected regions. Thousands of people and livestock have been relocated to safer areas.
In Arifwala, a severe flood in the River Sutlej has submerged the areas of Kund Shams, Kund Qabil, and Bilari Kasuria. Numerous small and large settlements have been surrounded by floodwaters.
In Pakpattan, 100,000 cusecs water is passing through the Baba Farid Bridge. Emergency alerts have been issued, and mosque loudspeakers are being used to urge residents in river belt areas to evacuate immediately. More than 100 small and large settlements have been affected by flooding. Over 4,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations, while several villages have been cut off due to submerged and broken roads.
Floodwaters in the River Sutlej have inundated 30 villages in border areas, causing widespread damage and displacement.
RIVER CHENAB
The River Chenab is also in extremely high flood, severing access to many villages. In Wazirabad, the water level at Head Khanki has risen sharply, with flow recorded at 705,000 cusecs.
At Chenab Nagar, water levels continue to rise steadily. The flow of the river has reached 113,000 cusecs, and a major wave of 700,000 cusecs from Head Marala has now begun to enter the Chenab Nagar area.
District authorities have issued warnings of a high flood threat in Chenab Nagar. Residents of low-lying areas nearby have been advised to evacuate immediately and move to safer ground as a precautionary measure.
A critical flood emergency has developed in Kot Momin, where over 700,000 cusecs of water is expected to pass through the River Chenab. According to Deputy Commissioner Captain (R) Muhammad Waseem, three relief camps have already been made operational, with preparations for more camps underway. Emergency staff is on high alert, and the Pakistan Army has been called in to assist with rescue and relief efforts.
In Alipur Chattha, near Rasool Nagar, local residents filled a breach in embankment of the River Chenab on self-help basis.
PASRUR AND NULLAH DEK
An extremely high flood level has also been recorded in Nullah Dek near Pasrur, with a surge of 77,000 cusecs sweeping away the Hanjli Bridge. Dozens of villages have been submerged, and floodwaters have entered Pasrur city, flowing over Narowal, Sialkot, and Chawinda roads. Water has also inundated villages like Sakarur, Dewali, Jandiala, Mangowal, and others, damaging standing crops.
RANGERS IN ACTION
Meanwhile, Punjab Rangers continue extensive rescue and relief operations in flood-hit areas. Working alongside other agencies, Rangers have been actively engaged in border regions affected by the flood.
In Kasur district, near Ganda Singh Wala, Rangers successfully evacuated 6,890 people and 1,024 livestock to safer locations.
Authorities remain on high alert across Punjab, as floodwaters continue to threaten lives, homes, and agricultural land across multiple districts.
