Villages on the banks of Sutlej, Ravi, and Indus rivers in Pakistan face a growing threat as rising water levels signal potential flooding, prompting urgent action from local authorities. On August 18, 2025, communities in Sahiwal, Narowal, Okara, and Dera Ghazi Khan were put on high alert as rivers swelled, endangering homes, crops, and livelihoods. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Rescue 1122 have mobilised to evacuate residents and establish relief camps, but the fear of devastation looms large for those living near these mighty rivers.
Ravi River Overflows, Threatening Narowal Villages
In Narowal, the Ravi River and its tributaries, the Baein and Auj drains, have begun overflowing, submerging hundreds of acres of farmland. Villages like Chak Jamil, Fatehpur, Shahpur, Chanjhora, and several villages on the banks of Sutlej are reporting severe land erosion as water levels in the Ravi surged from 12,000 to 51,400 cusecs. Rescue 1122 teams have been working tirelessly, rescuing 68 people trapped in floodwaters near Shakargarh tehsil, including eight from Dinpur and 60 from Sikmal. Narowal’s Deputy Commissioner, Syed Hassan Raza, assured residents that the situation remains under control, with 15 flood relief camps set up along the riverbanks to provide shelter and support.
Sutlej’s Rising Waters Endanger Pakpattan and Okara
The Sutlej River, now in low to mid-level flood, poses a significant risk to dozens of villages near the Baba Farid Bridge on the Pakpattan-Minchanabad Road. Communities in Pakpattan and Minchanabad tehsils, including Malik Bahwal, Mir Khan, Shahou Moor, and Naveed Khan Goun, face potential inundation. Locals report erosion at the river’s right bank embankment, raising fears that floodwaters could reach the revered Chan Pir shrine. Villagers have taken matters into their own hands, reinforcing the embankment, while the administration has established eight relief camps. Okara’s Deputy Commissioner, Ahmad Usman Javed, confirmed that camps are stocked with food, medicines, and cattle fodder, with mosque announcements urging residents to evacuate.
Indus River Threatens Dera Ghazi Khan
At Taunsa Barrage in Dera Ghazi Khan, the Indus River recorded an inflow of 420,000 cusecs and an outflow of 417,000 cusecs, signaling a high risk of flooding in low-lying areas. Authorities have evacuated residents from riverine zones and set up relief camps to accommodate those displaced. Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed Chaudhry, overseeing the response, warned of two major rain spells expected by August 23, which could further elevate water levels and trigger hill torrents. He directed officials to ensure the availability of de-watering machines, livestock vaccines, and anti-snakebite serums, while enforcing a strict ban on boating and swimming to prevent accidents.
Communities Rally Amid Rising Fears
The resilience of Pakistan’s riverine communities is being tested as they face the looming threat of floods. In Pakpattan, villagers’ efforts to strengthen embankments reflect their determination to protect their homes, yet the scale of the challenge is daunting. Rescue 1122’s swift response and the establishment of relief camps offer hope, but the rising waters of the Sutlej, Ravi, and Indus rivers underscore the vulnerability of these areas. Local administrations are on high alert, with health, livestock, and emergency teams working around the clock to mitigate the impact. The coming days will be critical as more rain is forecast, potentially exacerbating the situation.
A Call for Preparedness and Solidarity
As Pakistan grapples with the threat of flooding, the response from authorities and communities highlights both the challenges and the strength found in unity. The proactive measures, from evacuations to relief camp setups, aim to safeguard lives and livelihoods. Yet, the recurring floods serve as a stark reminder of the need for long-term solutions to protect vulnerable regions. For now, the villages on the banks of Sutlej, Ravi, and Indus brace for flooding, hoping for safety and resilience in the face of nature’s fury.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 18th, 2025
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