NDMA Sounds Alarm
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a high-flood alert for the Ravi River on Tuesday. The warning followed India’s release of additional water into the tributary. A devastating monsoon season, marked by heavy rainfall and glacier melt, has already worsened Pakistan’s climate vulnerability.
Threat from Thein Dam
The NDMA reported heavy rainfall in upper Ravi regions over the next 48 hours. Thein Dam in India is 97 percent full, and its spillways may open anytime. Officials warned of high-level floods in the Ravi River, Pir Panjal, Bain, Basantar, and Deek.
Punjab on High Alert
Punjab PDMA confirmed that India opened all gates of Thein Dam, releasing 210,000 cusecs at Kot Ninan. In 24 hours, the flow there will increase, raising flood levels at Jasar, Shahdara, and Head Baloki. Lahore commissioner and deputy commissioners across districts were alerted.
Rising Water Levels
PDMA reported a high flood at Jasar with 142,000 cusecs of water continuously entering. Shahdara experienced a low flood with 56,000 cusecs. Immediate evacuation orders were issued for people living near the river’s basin.
Evacuations in Punjab
Kasur Division confirmed a very high flood in Sutlej River, with flows exceeding 208,000 cusecs. Large-scale evacuation operations began in Bahawalnagar, Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalpur, and Vehari. Nearly 150,000 people were moved to safer areas after NDMA alerts.
Government Response
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed immediate evacuation of residents near rivers and low-lying areas. Emergency response teams were deployed, while all departments were placed on high alert. The Climate Ministry warned of heavy rains in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat.
Wider Flood Risk
The Pakistan Meteorological Department issued additional warnings for the Chenab and Ravi Rivers. Rainfall over eastern rivers is expected to intensify significantly. Rescue 1122 confirmed over 24,000 relocations from Indus, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej since Saturday.
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