Heavy monsoon rains and glacier melting have pushed Punjab on high alert as rivers to dangerous levels, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue a high alert across the province. The Chenab River at Marala is seeing significant water flow, with 206,000 cusecs entering and 179,000 cusecs exiting, while the Indus River is experiencing low-level flooding at Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa, with inflows reaching up to 345,000 cusecs at Chashma. The Sutlej River is also reporting increased water levels at Ganda Singh, raising concerns about potential flooding in nearby areas.
PDMA on Warning for Punjab on High Alert
The PDMA has warned of urban flooding risks in major cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Gujranwala, with heavy rainfall forecast for the next 24 hours in districts including Kasur, Sheikhupura, Jhelum, and Sialkot. Recent rainfall data indicates 83mm in Jhelum, 81mm in Rawalpindi, and 49mm in Mandi Bahauddin, intensifying the threat of waterlogging in urban centers. In Narowal, the Baein rainwater drain is already at a low flood level, signaling heightened risks for local communities.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has urged district administrations to stay vigilant and activate flood contingency plans. Emergency operation centers are monitoring the situation 24/7, with reservoir levels at Mangla Dam (57% capacity) and Tarbela Dam (87% capacity) under close watch. Concerns also linger about water releases from Indian dams on the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, which are at 43% capacity, potentially impacting downstream areas in Pakistan.
In Dera Ghazi Khan, hill torrents remain stable but could see a surge within the next day, prompting evacuation preparations in vulnerable areas. The PDMA has advised residents to avoid rivers and canals for safety and to limit travel during heavy rains. Relief camps are being equipped with essentials like food and clean water to support displaced communities, particularly in southern Punjab districts like Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur, where floodwaters have already damaged crops and homes.
What’s Next
For updates or emergencies, contact the PDMA helpline at 1129. Southasiandesk.com will continue to provide timely updates on this developing situation.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 31th, 2025
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