Severe flooding hits Punjab: Thousands affected as rivers overflow

Lahore/Punjab: A high-level flood has been recorded at Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej River, where water flow has surged past 261,000 cusecs, according to the Flood Warning Center. 

In Lahore, rising water levels have submerged multiple areas including Chuhang, Mohlanwal, Rangeelpur, and Sundar. Floodwaters have entered homes and farmland, impacting thousands of acres.

In localities such as Dhoop Sari, Dera Ghangaan Wala, Nano Dogar, and Khaneki Jhugiyan, standing crops have been completely submerged. Mangal Mandi, Hithar, and nearby agricultural zones have also suffered extensive crop damage.

Flooding has severed connectivity between Khudpur and nearby areas due to overflow near Loharan Wala Khoh on Multan Road. In Chuhang, residents are evacuating amid urgent warnings from authorities. Flood barriers have collapsed under pressure, and housing schemes near Thokar Niaz Baig are now underwater.

In Bhalwal, the Chenab River at Kot Momin is witnessing a sharp rise, with water flow exceeding 600,000 cusecs and expected to reach up to 1 million cusecs. The floodwaters have entered Midh Ranjha city, inundating over 50 villages and devastating farmlands.

Hafizabad is also severely affected, with over 1.077 million cusecs recorded at Qadirabad Headworks. Numerous villages have been flooded, causing significant crop destruction. Relief operations are ongoing, confirmed the Deputy Commissioner.

At Khanki on the Chenab River, high flood levels persist with both inflow and outflow measured at 305,436 cusecs, posing serious threats to downstream areas.

The Ravi River is also experiencing high flood levels. At Shahdara, both inflow and outflow are recorded at 219,770 cusecs, indicating heavy and continuous water flow through the region. At Balloki, inflow has reached 126,000 cusecs, while outflow is slightly lower at 114,110 cusecs, raising concerns over potential water buildup in nearby low-lying zones.

Authorities remain on high alert across Punjab. Residents in flood-prone and affected areas are strongly urged to comply with evacuation orders and immediately move to designated relief camps as the situation continues to deteriorate.