NDMA Issues Red Alert as Floodwaters Surge Across Punjab
An extraordinary flood situation has emerged in Punjab as the rivers Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej experience dangerously high water levels. In response, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high alert, warning of severe damage across several districts.
According to NDMA data, the Chenab River recorded a massive flow of 901,000 cusecs at Qadirabad and 859,000 cusecs at Khanki, endangering nearby areas such as Gujrat, Hafizabad, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Chiniot, and Jhang.
Meanwhile, on the Ravi River, water levels surged to 139,000 cusecs at Jassar, swelling further to 164,000 cusecs at Shahdara, putting parts of Lahore including Kot Mando, Faisal Park, and Aziz Colony at risk. Narowal, along with villages in Sheikhupura like Dhamikey and Dhaka, and Ghauspur and Abdul Hakim in Khanewal, have also been identified as vulnerable.
The Sutlej River is similarly overwhelmed, with a strong flood wave of 261,000 cusecs reported at Ganda Singh Wala. The rising water threatens to inundate low-lying areas in Okara, Pakpattan, Nankana Sahib, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar.
The NDMA confirmed that rescue and relief operations are underway in coordination with Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) to protect lives and property in the impacted regions.
Punjab Government Mobilizes Cabinet for Flood Response
In an urgent move, the Punjab government has deployed provincial cabinet ministers to supervise emergency flood response efforts across all affected divisions and districts.
As per official instructions, each minister has been assigned specific areas to oversee evacuations, ensure coordination with district administrations, and monitor the distribution of relief supplies such as food, clean water, and medicines.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed ministers to remain stationed in their assigned areas until the crisis subsides. She stressed the importance of rapid response, provision of shelters, and continuous communication with the PDMA to facilitate timely decisions.
Rescue teams from Rescue 1122, local volunteers, and district officials are actively participating in field operations. The provincial government has also established control rooms to deliver real-time updates and streamline resource allocation.
Due to heavy monsoon rains, several villages along the flood-prone rivers have already been submerged, displacing thousands. Authorities continue to urge residents in low-lying areas to evacuate and relocate to safer zones as water levels rise.
