NANKANA SAHIB: Authorities on Thursday issued a high flood alert at the River Ravi’s Head Balloki point, where water inflow has reached 106,555 cusecs and outflow is recorded at 94,655 cusecs.
According to the district administration, around 139 villages in Nankana Sahib face the threat of flooding. Residents of low-lying areas have been urged to evacuate along with their livestock to safer places. “Human life remains our top priority, and evacuation has been completed from vulnerable areas,” a district government spokesperson said.
Qadirabad Headworks at risk amid record Chenab flood
More than 1,800 families have already been shifted to relief camps, which officials say are fully operational with rescue and medical facilities. The administration confirmed that all departments have been directed to remain on 24-hour high alert.
Deputy Commissioner Nankana Sahib Muhammad Tasleem Akhtar Rao cautioned that the Ravi’s water flow could surge to nearly 170,000 cusecs later today. He added that a strong current was already sweeping under the Head Balloki bridge. District authorities have assured that rescue and relief operations will continue at full scale as floodwaters rise, urging citizens to cooperate and prioritise safety amid the looming high-flood situation.
Kartarpur flooded
Meanwhile the Sikh community has strongly condemned the flooding of Kartarpur Gurdwara, calling it an act of “water aggression” by India. Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar leader Kulvinder Singh Cheema accused New Delhi of desecrating the sacred site of Guru Nanak, stressing that “aggression is not just bombs and bullets.” He described Operation Sindoor as a “complete failure” and thanked the Pakistan Army for protecting Kartarpur, adding that India’s actions had strengthened calls for Khalistan.
Floodwaters from the River Ravi entered the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, submerging its lower floors. Officials confirmed the saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib remains safe on the first floor. Rescue efforts by the Pakistan Army evacuated pilgrims and staff as authorities kept the corridor closed. Sikh leaders in India also voiced concern, with the Akal Takht’s officiating jathedar seeking a damage report from the PSGPC.
The Kartarpur Corridor has been shut since May 2025 after India suspended it indefinitely. Once a symbol of rare goodwill since its 2019 inauguration, the closure and now flooding have left thousands of Sikh devotees deeply disheartened, severing a spiritual lifeline to the revered shrine where Guru Nanak spent his final years.
PM Sharif voices concern
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday received a detailed briefing from the NDMA on Punjab’s worsening flood situation, as heavy monsoon rains swelled eastern rivers, particularly the Chenab, inundating vast areas. Officials said nearly one million cusecs of water was flowing through the Chenab, with conditions at Head Ganda Singh Wala described as critical. The premier voiced concern over the damage to homes and crops but praised the Punjab government’s response, saying teamwork had helped limit losses. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged Narowal be declared calamity-hit, while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz assured rescue and relief work was ongoing round-the-clock.