Heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread destruction and flood in Pakistan, especially in the most populous province of Punjab. Authorities have evacuated over 200,000 people as rising water levels in the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers cause extensive flooding. The situation remains critical as authorities brace for more rain and possible river overflows.
Breaks Records for Heavy Rainfall in Lahore
Lahore, Sialkot, and Gujrat have been especially affected. Pakistan’s chief meteorologist said Sialkot saw more rain in 24 hours than in any single year in the last 49 years. Lahore’s heavy rain has resulted in extreme urban flooding, with cars, houses, and shops underwater. People in low-lying areas have been alerted to evacuate their homes, as emergency personnel toil day and night to bring relief.
Flood victims in Pakistan are suffering
Local and state rescue operations are busy evacuating citizens marooned by floodwaters. State officials say rescuers have saved more than 32,000 people by boat, providing a lifeline to flood victims in Pakistan who are stranded in remote villages with their livestock and possessions.
One Kasur resident, Nadeem Ahmad, told us he was refusing to leave. “I’ve been evacuated many times before. I can’t afford it anymore,” he said, standing next to his cattle and stored feed, already using their winter supplies.
India’s Dam Water Release Increases Flood Threat
Authorities reported that India had notified them of an imminent water release from upstream dams, which has compounded the flood crisis. The influx of dam water into the Sutlej River has submerged homes, destroyed protective barriers, and displaced thousands along the India-Pakistan border.
Government Response and Alerts
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the federal government would fully cooperate with regional authorities to avert the risk of flooding, particularly in the urban areas of Gujarat, Sialkot, and Lahore – Pakistan’s second-most populous city. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also announced cautions to stay away from rivers, drains, and flood-affected areas.
Military troops have also been deployed in some districts to support rescue efforts and coordinate relief camps for affected people.
DAM UPDATES
The Flood Forecasting Division has reported the current water levels at major dams:
- Tarbela: 1550.00 feet
- Mangla: 1224.85 feet
- Khanpur: 1980.75 feet
- Rawal: 1751.10 feet
- Simly: 2315.20 feet
Flood status at key points:
- Extremely high flood levels at:
- Head Balloki
- Ganda Singh Wala
High flood levels at:
- Head Khanki
- Qadirabad
- Chiniot Bridge
- Chiniot Bridge
Moderate flood levels at:
- Trimmu
- Jassar
- Ravi Syphon
- Shahdara
SINDH AT RISK
Meanwhile, the Sindh government has revised its earlier estimates regarding possible displacements due to flooding. It is now estimated that more than 1.65 million people along the right and left banks of the Indus River are at higher risk of being affected.
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah visited Guddu Barrage to assess the flood situation as Punjab’s overflowing waters move downstream.
