Heavy monsoon rains in the upper catchments have triggered flooding in Punjab’s rivers, severely affecting millions across multiple districts.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a fresh update, warning citizens to stay away from riversides and avoid fishing or recreational activities.

Rising river levels across Punjab

According to PDMA Punjab, monsoon rains are forecast to continue until September 9 in most districts of the province, raising further flood risks. Current water flows recorded in major rivers are as follows:

Chenab River: 115,000 cusecs at Marala, 205,000 cusecs at Khanki, 266,000 cusecs at Qadirabad, and 331,000 cusecs at Head Trimon.
Ravi River: 73,000 cusecs at Jassar, 112,000 cusecs at Shahdara, 114,000 cusecs at Siphon Rail Headworks, 144,000 cusecs at Balloki Headworks, and 122,000 cusecs at Head Sidhnai.
Sutlej River: 319,000 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala, 142,000 cusecs at Sulemanki, and 310,000 cusecs at Panjand Headworks.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid going near rivers for recreation, as water levels continue to rise.

Human losses and damage

Punjab’s Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed confirmed that 49 people have lost their lives due to drowning in floodwaters, as the PDMA releases its report on flood damages.

More than 3,900 villages across Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab river belts have been affected, with a staggering 3.89 million people impacted by the floods. Of these, 1.83 million people have been shifted to safer locations through ongoing relief operations.

Relief and rescue efforts

To aid displaced families, the government has set up 415 relief camps and 466 medical camps in flood-hit districts. Additionally, 398 veterinary camps have been established to safeguard livestock.

Authorities reported that 1.34 million animals have already been shifted to safe areas, as protecting livestock remains crucial for rural communities’ survival.

Dams near full capacity

Water storage levels in key reservoirs are also being closely monitored.

Mangla Dam is currently 87% full, while Tarbela Dam has reached 100% capacity.
Across the border, India’s Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River is 84% filled, Pong Dam is at 98%, and Thein Dam stands at 92% capacity, raising further concerns about downstream flows.