PDMA issues high flood alert in Punjab as rivers swell

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a high-level flood warning as water levels continue to rise in the Sutlej and Ravi rivers, with recent reports of riverbank erosion and crop damage in Bahawalpur. According to PDMA, Sutlej downstream at Ferozepur is facing high flood risk, with adjoining streams and drains also expected to swell further. High floods were recorded at Ganda Singh Wala, while Sutlej reported a medium flood at Head Sulemanki, according to PDMA.  River Ravi registered flow of 90,000 cusecs at Jassar and 40,000 cusecs at Shahdara. The Indus River, meanwhile, is in low flood state at Kalabagh and Chashma. Water flows at Tarbela and Taunsa remain normal. Read: Sutlej River on flood alert as water levels rise Officials said the Indus flow had recently dropped from 500,000 to 250,000 cusecs but warned of a possible rise with the eighth spell of monsoon rains. In Bahawalpur district, the flood situation in the Sutlej has worsened. At Mari Qasim Shah, intense riverbank erosion has washed away hundreds of acres of farmland, leaving farmers distressed. The protective embankment in the area has also been breached, while the local administration has issued ultimatums to residents to vacate their homes. At Head Panjnad, where the five rivers meet, Sutlej water levels have surged to 106,000 cusecs. Authorities warned nearby areas, including Uch Sharif, face potential flooding. A high alert has been issued, and riverside residents have begun moving to safer places after the administration made public announcements urging evacuation. Rainfall data from the past 24 hours shows Narowal received the highest downpour at 103mm, followed by Kasur at 96mm, Lahore 38mm, Gujrat 16mm, Gujranwala 13mm, and Murree  at 1mm. The Met Office has forecast heavy rains until August 27, particularly in Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal. Reservoir levels have also risen significantly, with Tarbela Dam now at full storage capacity and Mangla Damn at 76 percent. Read more: Torrential rains trigger flooding across Pakistan, dam levels near capacity Across the border in India, Bhakra Dam stands at 80 percent, Pong at 87 percent, and Thein at 85 percent. PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia directed all deputy commissioners to remain on high alert and finalize emergency measures as per the Punjab chief minister’s directives. He also instructed rescue and relief teams stay deployed in vulnerable areas, warning families to keep children away from storm drains, low-lying areas, and riverbanks during the flood situation. The PDMA confirmed that despite heavy rainfall no loss of life or property was reported in Punjab in the past 24 hours.        

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