LAHORE: Heavy monsoon rains have caused rivers across Punjab to swell, creating a serious flood situation at several points in the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Wednesday.
Several districts, including Sialkot and Narowal, are facing severe challenges as relief efforts continue.
Chenab in high flood
The PDMA reported that the Chenab River at Head Marala is facing a very high flood, where water inflows have reached 769,000 cusecs and outflows are around 762,000 cusecs.
At Head Khanki, the river has crossed the 700,000 cusecs mark, while at Head Qadirabad the outflow is 307,000 cusecs. Officials said embankments are under pressure, urging people near riverbanks to stay alert.
Ravi and Sutlej high flood levels
At Jassar, the Ravi River has touched very high flood levels with 229,000 cusecs. At Shahdara, it remains at medium flood with 72,000 cusecs.
The Sutlej River is also under strain, with a very high flood recorded at Ganda Singh Wala, where outflow stands at 245,000 cusecs. At Head Sulemanki, the level is around 100,000 cusecs, considered a medium flood.
Sialkot and Narowal affected
Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin visited flood-affected areas of Sialkot, including Nala Aik, Nala Bhed and Nala Palkhu, where he directed WASA officials to utilise all resources for drainage.
He also inspected the District Emergency Operation Centre at the DC office and said that nine relief camps had been set up to provide facilities to affected families. He warned officials against negligence and urged residents to stay away from swollen streams.
In Narowal, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal confirmed that large areas have come under water after the spillover of Nala Dek. Dozens of families have been shifted to safer places, while the worsening situation led authorities to call in the army for rescue and relief work.
Authorities on high alert
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed has directed all deputy commissioners to remain in the field and ensure timely response. The PDMA said rescue teams are on standby and monitoring continues round the clock.