Over 150,000 relocated across Punjab as Sutlej swells: NDMA

Nearly 150,000 people so far have been relocated to safe areas from flood-prone regions after early warnings and alerts were issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on rising water levels and potential flooding.

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has launched large-scale evacuation operations in districts at risk due to rising water levels in Sutlej River.

High-level flooding has damaged dozens of villages, with Kasur alone reporting 72 affected villages.

In Pakpattan 12 villages, Vehari 23, Bahawalnagar 75, and Bahawalpur 15 villages have been affected.

So far, over 45,000 residents have been impacted, with more than 14,000 relocated to safe locations.

Authorities have also moved over 17,000 livestock to secure areas to prevent losses.

PDMA and Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed have established 67 relief camps, including 38 medical camps providing care to more than 2,600 affected people, and 46 veterinary camps for livestock.

Rescue and relief teams have been equipped with 130 boats, 115 outboard motors, six AMB bikes, 500 rescue workers, 1,300 life jackets, 245 life rings, 123 ropes, 1,600 tents, 522 plastic mats and 1,083 mosquito nets.

The Punjab chief minister had issued directives to ensure continuous monitoring and rapid response in flood-affected areas and to relocate residents and provide immediate aid.

According to NDMA, evacuations include 89,868 residents from Bahawalnagar, 14,140 from Kasur, 2,063 from Okara, 873 from Pakpattan, 361 from Bahawalpur, and 165 from Vehari.

According to PDMA, Sutlej downstream at Ferozepur is facing high flood risk, with adjoining streams and drains also expected to swell further.

High floods were recorded at Ganda Singh Wala, while Sutlej reported a medium flood at Head Sulemanki, according to PDMA.

The Ravi River recorded 111,000 cusecs at Jassar and over 46,000 cusecs at Shahdara. Chenab experienced a medium flood at Head Marala.

Officials warned of flash flooding in hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan.

Cross-border releases from Indian reservoirs, including Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar (Thein) dams, have significantly contributed to rising water levels.

The Indus River remains low at Kalabagh and Chashma, but water flows at Tarbela and Taunsa continue to rise.

Read: Sutlej River on flood alert as water levels rise

Officials said the Indus flow had recently dropped from 500,000 to 250,000 cusecs but warned of a possible rise with the eighth spell of monsoon rains.

In Bahawalpur district, the flood situation in the Sutlej has worsened.

At Mari Qasim Shah, intense riverbank erosion has washed away hundreds of acres of farmland, leaving farmers distressed.

The protective embankment in the area has also been breached, while the local administration has issued ultimatums to residents to vacate their homes.

At Head Panjnad, where the five rivers meet, Sutlej water levels have surged to 106,000 cusecs.

Authorities warned nearby areas, including Uch Sharif, face potential flooding.

The Meteorological Department has forecast another spell of heavy rains from August 27 to 31 across central Punjab, potentially worsening the flooding.

Rainfall data from the past 24 hours shows Narowal received the highest downpour at 103mm, followed by Kasur at 96mm, Lahore 38mm, Gujrat 16mm, Gujranwala 13mm, and Murree at 1mm.

The Met Office has forecast heavy rains until August 27, particularly in Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal.

Reservoir levels have also risen significantly, with Tarbela Dam now at full storage capacity and Mangla Damn at 76 percent.

Read more: Torrential rains trigger flooding across Pakistan, dam levels near capacity

Across the border in India, Bhakra Dam stands at 80 percent, Pong at 87 percent, and Thein at 85 percent.

PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia directed all deputy commissioners to remain on high alert and finalize emergency measures as per the Punjab chief minister’s directives.

He also instructed rescue and relief teams stay deployed in vulnerable areas, warning families to keep children away from storm drains, low-lying areas, and riverbanks during the flood situation.

The PDMA confirmed that despite heavy rainfall no loss of life or property was reported in Punjab in the past 24 hours however, so far Punjab monsoon season has resulted in 165 deaths and 584 injuries.