Punjab Faces Medium-Level Flooding at Kalabagh Amid Heavy Monsoon Rains
LAHORE – Flooding at Punjab’s Kalabagh point on the Indus River reached a medium level on Friday, while four other locations experienced low-level floods due to intense monsoon rains and glacial melting, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported.
The latest update comes as rescue operations continue across Punjab, where recent torrential rains have claimed at least 63 lives and caused widespread damage. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecasted multiple future rain spells, with the next wave expected from July 21 to July 28, potentially raising water levels further.
🚨 Current Flood Situation: Indus River Locations
As of 1 PM on July 18, 2025, the Flood Forecasting Division reported:
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Kalabagh: Medium-level flood with inflow of 447,941 cusecs and outflow of 440,391 cusecs
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Chashma Barrage: Low-level flood (rising)
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Tarbela Dam: Low-level flood (falling)
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Guddu Barrage: Low-level flood (falling)
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Sukkur Barrage: Low-level flood (steady)
Water levels in rivers Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej were reported as normal, along with Dera Ghazi Khan’s irrigation system.
📊 Reservoir Levels & Precautionary Measures
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Mangla Dam: 47% full
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Tarbela Dam: 79% full
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Indian dams (on Sutlej, Beas, Ravi): 36% capacity
PDMA has imposed Section 144 across Punjab and declared a state of emergency in multiple districts to mitigate further risks. Citizens are being urged to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and steer clear of electric poles and water-logged areas.
⚠️ Record-Breaking Monsoon Intensity
NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik confirmed that this year’s monsoon intensity is 60–70% higher than last year, making 2025 one of the most rainfall-heavy monsoon seasons on record.
Since June 26, heavy rains have resulted in:
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181 deaths nationwide
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491 injuries
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Most casualties reported from Punjab (103 deaths, 385 injuries)
🛟 Rescue Operations in Full Swing
More than 1,000 people have been rescued across the Potohar plateau, including:
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398 in Jhelum
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209 in Chakwal
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450 in Rawalpindi
Rescue efforts are being led by PDMA, Rescue 1122, and Pakistan Army personnel, with helicopters assisting in remote areas where boats cannot operate.
Rescue 1122 has deployed 15,000 personnel and 800 boats across the province. According to a detailed report:
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109 fatalities and 438 serious injuries recorded since June 25
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351 house collapses, 61 road accidents, 22 electrocutions, and 4 lightning strikes
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Lahore recorded the highest death toll (24), followed by Faisalabad (15) and Sheikhupura (11)
🛑 Government Calls for Disaster Preparedness Plan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the NDMA and federal ministries to collaborate with provincial governments to develop a comprehensive national disaster management plan, learning from the ongoing 2025 monsoon events.
With further rainfall spells expected in August, emergency preparedness and early warning systems remain crucial to minimize loss of life and property.
✅ Key Safety Tips for Citizens
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Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain
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Stay away from flooded areas and electric poles
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Monitor updates from PDMA, NDMA, and local authorities
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Keep emergency supplies ready
Stay tuned for more verified updates on Pakistan’s monsoon season, flood alerts, and public safety measures. For real-time alerts, follow your local PDMA office or download official weather and disaster management apps.
