Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers continue to swell across Punjab after India releases water

The release of water from India has triggered unusual flooding in Punjab’s major rivers, forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes.

The Sutlej River remains in high flood at Ganda Singh Wala, where authorities have issued evacuation orders for villages near the Talwar Post.

According to the Flood Forecasting Division Lahore, water flow at the site has fallen from 390,000 cusecs to 303,828 cusecs, but flood threats persist at Head Sulemanki and Head Islam.

Meanwhile, the Ravi River is witnessing a steady rise at Head Baloki, where inflows have reached 192,545 cusecs. Water levels are also climbing at Head Sudhanai, while a decline has been reported at Shahdara, Lahore and Jasar. In the Chenab River, inflows at Head Panjnad are also increasing.

Punjab must clear river pathways to prevent flood disasters: DG PDMA

Punjab PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said the dam break in India has diverted large volumes of water towards Kasur, bringing the Sutlej River to its highest level since 1955. “The biggest challenge at the moment is to protect Kasur city,” he said.

He added that Lahore is now completely safe, but the next 24 to 48 hours will be critical for downstream districts, including Okara, Sahiwal, and Toba Tek Singh, due to rising waters in the Ravi.

According to PDMA, 28 people have lost their lives in the floods across Punjab so far. However, timely rescue operations have helped prevent further casualties.