Flooding continues to worsen across Punjab as three major rivers — Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej — overflow, causing severe damage and loss of life. At least 20 people have died, mostly from drowning, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). In Sialkot alone, rescue teams have recovered 16 bodies. To protect Jhang and Chiniot from rising waters, authorities breached an embankment near Rawaz Bridge using explosives. The emergency move was made during a high-level meeting led by Punjab’s Chief Secretary.
The PDMA reports dangerous flood levels in Chenab near Qadirabad and Khanqah, and extremely high water flow at Ravi’s Shahdara point. In Ravi, flow reached a record 220,000 cusecs over seven hours. Rescue officials say more than 80 villages along Ravi are submerged, while 361 villages are underwater due to flooding from the Sutlej River. Key areas affected include Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, and Bahawalnagar. Relief operations continue across affected districts.
In Lahore, emergency evacuations were carried out in several areas including Shafiqabad, Mohlanwal, and Chuhang. Four blocks of Park View Housing Society were flooded, but all residents were safely evacuated. Over 70 people are now housed in temporary relief camps. The Chief Secretary has deployed mobile clinics and ordered all officers to remain on the ground. Schools in flood-affected areas may be closed for a week.
Further south, the Indus River is also rising dangerously. At Guddu Barrage, inflow reached 366,251 cusecs, with forecasts of further rise in the next 24 hours. Low-lying villages and crops along the river in Kashmore and Ghotki are already submerged. Over 50 villages have lost road access, and hundreds of acres of sugarcane and cotton crops have been destroyed. In Sehwan, floodwater has entered nearby settlements, forcing mass evacuations.
Meanwhile, PDMA Chief Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that Punjab will compensate the families of the deceased with Rs. 1 million each. He emphasized that rescue efforts were swift and no deaths occurred due to operational delays. Helicopters and boats are being used to rescue stranded citizens. With more rainfall expected, authorities warn the next 24 hours will be critical, especially as floodwaters head toward Khanewal district.