LAHORE – As relentless monsoon rains continue to lash Punjab, Chenab and Ravi rivers witnessed heavy flows. With water levels expected to reach high flood levels today, authorities placed several districts on alert, racing to strengthen flood defenses and prepare for any emergency as the threat of widespread flooding looms.
Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) said Chenab at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad is expected to remain at medium to high flood levels, while the Ravi at Balloki and Sidhnai is also forecast to reach similar levels as heavy inflows continue.
Several areas like Sheikhupura, Narowal, Muridke, Gujranwala, Sambrial and Pasrur leaving standing crops, livestock and infrastructure badly damaged.
Flood Data
River
Site
Inflow (cusecs)
Outflow (cusecs)
Status
Jhelum
Mangla
50,000
10,000
NORMAL
Rasul
3,000
0
NORMAL
Chenab
Marala
126,272
115,785
LOW
Khanki
138,745
133,765
LOW
Q.Abad
172,069
162,893
MEDIUM
Chiniot
162,746
162,746
MEDIUM
Trimmu
193,809
185,709
LOW
Panjnad
105,605
90,855
NORMAL
Sutlej
GS Wala
2,000
2,000
NORMAL
Sulemanki
19,044
7,047
NORMAL
Islam
5,106
4,306
NORMAL
Floodwaters already submerged nearly 400 square kilometres across parts of Punjab after intense rainfall and overflowing drains overwhelmed their carrying capacity. The flooding caused extensive damage to crops, livestock and infrastructure.
Ravi is also witnessing unusually rise in water volume due to massive runoff from monsoon rains. The river carries around 22,000 cusecs at Shahdara, but the flow increases dramatically to nearly 87,000 cusecs at Balloki, an additional 65,000 cusecs fed mainly by rainwater entering through drainage channels.
With another spell of monsoon rain forecast, authorities placed administrations in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Khanewal and other districts on high alert. Officials are monitoring river embankments, strengthening flood protection measures and preparing evacuation and relief plans for communities living along the Chenab and Ravi.