Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday issued urgent orders to evacuate residents from low-lying and riverside areas across the province, ahead of intense rainfall and flood threats forecasted in the coming days. The provincial government is on high alert, particularly after the Sutlej River surged to a dangerous high flood level of 129,866 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala over the weekend.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, CM Maryam directed district administrations to ensure the “timely evacuation of stranded populations” and make full use of all available resources to prevent the loss of life. She also stressed the importance of relocating livestock and providing temporary shelters equipped with food, clean water, and medical treatment for evacuees.
The chief minister specifically ordered the immediate supply of snakebite vaccines to flood-affected areas, anticipating increased risks associated with rising water levels. Authorities in Kasur, Pakpattan, Taunsa Sharif, and other vulnerable regions have been directed to remain vigilant and maintain round-the-clock coordination.
Riverine and Urban Flood Risks Increase as Monsoon Intensifies
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Climate Change issued a fresh warning about heavy rains expected in Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Lahore divisions within the next 48 hours, cautioning against both urban and riverine flooding. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also sounded alerts for rising water levels in the Chenab and Ravi rivers, with flood intensity expected to climb due to continuous rainfall and upstream water releases from India.
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that the Sutlej River remains at a high flood level, urging district administrations to enhance readiness. Emergency measures include deploying earth-moving equipment to chokepoints, strengthening flood protection embankments, setting up relief camps, and stockpiling essential medicines and supplies.
According to PMD forecasts, flood conditions in the Chenab and Ravi may escalate to high or very high levels within 48 hours, especially at key sites like Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad. The PMD also warned of potential urban flooding due to persistent, high-intensity rain, urging swift government action.
With reservoirs across the Ravi and Sutlej rivers in India already at danger levels, Pakistani authorities are now racing against time to mitigate the looming threat.
