Punjab Rivers Expected to Recede as Flood Situation Stabilizes
Authorities in Punjab have warned residents of potential flooding along the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers but say water levels are now expected to gradually recede following a pause in rainfall in upstream areas.
The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) reported that the Ravi River at Jassar is currently carrying 202,200 cusecs, with a peak expected at Shahdara in Lahore between 10 PM and midnight. Low-lying neighborhoods including Shahdara, Park View, and Motorway-2 remain on high alert. Meanwhile, the Sutlej and Chenab rivers have also seen extremely high flows, though officials confirm that discharge levels at key points such as Khanki and Ganda Singh Wala are beginning to stabilize.
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that between 20,000 and 25,000 people have been safely evacuated from floodplains along the Ravi and Chenab rivers. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said that despite the recent surge, the flow at Shahdara is expected to remain manageable and safely pass through the river’s channel.
“All precautionary evacuations have been completed, and rescue teams remain on standby,” Kathia stated. Residents living near riverbanks have been urged to move to safer areas and follow official safety instructions.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) continues to oversee rescue and relief operations, coordinating closely with civil and military agencies to ensure the safety of affected communities.
