Indian water release triggers major flood crisis in Punjab

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.

High Alert and Evacuations Underway:

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.