Record Flood Flows in Chenab and Ravi Raise Alarm Across Punjab

The flood situation in Punjab intensified late Thursday as water flows at major river points reached dangerously high levels. According to official updates, the flow at Chiniot Bridge on the Chenab River rose to 659,180 cusecs, placing it in the “extremely high flood” category as of 9 PM.
Similarly, at Shahdara on the Ravi River, the flow was recorded at 219,770 cusecs around 8 PM, also classified as an extremely high flood. At the Ravi Siphon, inflows of 220,627 cusecs were registered, further heightening concerns of downstream inundation.

NDMA Issues High Alert for Chenab and Ravi
The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has issued a red alert for both the Chenab and Ravi rivers, warning of severe flooding through August 31 and beyond. At Trimmu Barrage, inflows between 700,000 and 800,000 cusecs are expected by August 31, 4 PM, threatening severe inundation across Chiniot, Jhang, and adjoining areas. Officials noted that 18-Hazari near Jhang is likely to be used as a controlled breaching site to release excess pressure.
On the Ravi, the Bloki Barrage is expected to receive inflows of 150,000 to 200,000 cusecs by the morning of August 29, while a major flood surge is predicted to pass Shahdara, Lahore, within 24 hours. Floodwaters are also projected to affect Sheikhupura, Ferozewala (Faizpur, Burj Attari, Kot Abdul Malik), Nankana Sahib (Ganishpur), and Kasur (Phoolnagar, Rakh Khan Kay, Kot Sardar, and adjoining areas).

Downstream Areas at Risk
By September 1, the Ravi flood surge is forecast to pass Sidhnai Headworks near Multan, carrying flows between 125,000 and 150,000 cusecs. This could inundate areas of Khanewal district, including Ghouspur, Mian Channu, Umeed Garh, Kot Islam, Abdul Hakeem, and Kabirwala.
Authorities warn that by September 3, floodwaters will merge at Panjnad, where multiple rivers converge before joining the Indus. The projected flow of up to 700,000 cusecs poses a serious threat to Panjnad and Bahawalpur regions, where precautionary evacuation orders have already been issued.

Flood Waters Expected to Reach Panjnad by September 3
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that the flood peaks traveling through the Chenab and Ravi rivers will continue to surge downstream over the coming days. By September 3, the massive flood wave is expected to reach Panjnad, where flows are projected between 650,000 and 700,000 cusecs.
Officials identified several districts at risk, including Hafizabad, Chiniot, Multan, Panjnad, and Bahawalpur. The NDMA has also indicated that 18-Hazari, an area along the left bank of the Chenab, may be used as a breaching site to divert water and minimize damage to populated settlements.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Inspects Flood Situation
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited Shahdara, Lahore, to personally review the flood situation and relief arrangements. Accompanied by rescue teams, she boarded a boat to inspect the river and later addressed the media from the Shahdara Ravi Bridge.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that Punjab was facing its most severe flood in 38 years, worsened by continuous monsoon rains and water releases from Indian reservoirs. She stressed the urgency of long-term infrastructure planning, including future storage structures and improved embankments, to mitigate such disasters.
“We must rise above politics and make decisions in the national interest, because this is about saving lives,” she said, praising the efforts of the administration, rescue teams, police, health workers, and the Pakistan Army in minimizing losses.
The Chief Minister further promised that all losses, including damage to livestock and property, would be compensated by the Punjab government, emphasizing: “Every life is precious, and every family will be supported.”

Authorities Urge Vigilance and Public Cooperation
The NDMA has urged residents of vulnerable areas to evacuate promptly to safer locations and fully cooperate with rescue and relief operations. With floodwaters rising, officials have reiterated that breaching sites may need to be activated to protect densely populated settlements. Chief Minister Marium Nawaz reinforced the call for unity, stating: “This is no ordinary flood. It is a reminder that we must prepare better, plan smarter, and never underestimate the power of our rivers.”