Punjab Rivers witness unusual flooding situation

LAHORE: Punjab is grappling with severe flooding in its major rivers after India released large volumes of water, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.

At Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej River, an extremely high flood level has persisted, prompting authorities to announce evacuations from villages near Talwar Post.

According to the Flood Forecasting Division, Lahore, water flow at Ganda Singh Wala has started to recede, dropping from 390,000 cusecs to 303,828 cusecs. However, flood threats remain at Head Sulemanki and Head Islam.

Meanwhile, the Ravi River continues to swell. At Head Balloki, water discharge has surged to 192,545 cusecs, while levels are also rising at Head Sidhnai. Conversely, a decline in flow has been recorded at Shahdara, Lahore, and Jassar.

In the Chenab River, inflows are also increasing at Head Panjnad, heightening concerns of further flooding in downstream areas.

Director General of the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, has said that water is flowing towards Kasur following the breach of a dam in India.

He stated that the Sutlej River at Kasur is witnessing its highest water level since 1955, marking a historic flood situation. Authorities are now facing the critical challenge of protecting Kasur city from inundation.

He said that Lahore is now safe while the river Ravi will be tough for the next 24 to 48 hours, including Okara, Sahiwal and Toba Tak Singh, due to the river in the River Ravi.

According to the PDMA, 28 people have been killed in the province so far due to floods, but timely rescue operations have made it possible to prevent further casualties.