Lahore: A flood emergency has been declared in parts of Punjab following India's release of excess water from its eastern dams, which has inundated major rivers across the province.
In response to the worsening situation, the Pakistan Army has been deployed in the flood-hit districts of Kasur, Sialkot, and Narowal to assist in relief and rescue operations.
According to the Punjab Home Department, army troops are being mobilized to support civil administration in safeguarding lives and managing large-scale evacuations. While Rescue 1122, Civil Defense, and Police units are actively engaged in ongoing efforts, the magnitude of the flooding has necessitated military intervention.
Both India and Pakistan have been facing relentless monsoon rains, but Pakistan’s eastern Punjab region — considered the country's agricultural heartland — is under increased threat due to the unilateral release of water by India into transboundary rivers.
Rivers Swell to Dangerous Levels:
Floodwaters have surged through the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers, causing significant breaches in Narowal, Sialkot, and Shakargarh.
Reports confirm that in Zafarwal, a portion of the Hanjli Bridge collapsed due to intense water flow from Nullah Dek, severing road access to dozens of nearby villages.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in its early Wednesday advisory, termed the situation "extreme" and warned that vulnerable areas are already under threat of inundation.
The Ravi River at Jassar is currently carrying a flow of 170,000 cusecs, but forecasts suggest that this volume could rise significantly to 250,000 cusecs. This increase poses a serious risk, as such levels are likely to breach embankments and result in flooding of nearby settlements. Authorities and residents in the surrounding areas are on high alert, preparing for potential evacuation and emergency response efforts. Meanwhile, the Chenab River at Marala is projected to reach an alarming 690,000 cusecs. This staggering volume of water raises severe concerns about widespread flooding across the region. If the forecast holds, extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and homes could occur, affecting thousands of people along the river's path. The Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala is already flowing at 245,000 cusecs, and further increases are expected in the coming days. This high flow, coupled with additional water entering the river system, could worsen the situation and heighten the risk of flooding in adjacent low-lying areas. Emergency services are closely monitoring the situation and preparing for possible flood mitigation and relief operations.
Low-lying areas along the rivers have been placed on high alert, especially in regions like Shahdara and along Motorway-2, where the Ravi continues to rise steadily. Authorities have urged residents in at-risk zones to immediately evacuate and cooperate with rescue teams.
The NDMA has emphasized that delayed evacuation could result in loss of life, and families are being relocated to safer ground where relief camps are being established.
Army Joins the Relief Effort:
The Pakistan Army’s deployment will be coordinated with district administrations, and Army Aviation units may be engaged for airlifts and aerial surveillance where needed.
All relevant departments of the Punjab government are on emergency footing, monitoring the situation 24/7 and mobilizing resources to prevent loss of life and property.
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Residents have been strongly advised to follow official directives, avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas, and stay tuned to weather and flood alerts issued by the Meteorological Department and NDMA.
