Heavy floods have struck Punjab, submerging over 1,700 villages and affecting nearly 1.5 million people. Torrential rains and river overflows caused major destruction in cities like Kasur, Multan, Pakpattan, Chishtian, and Jhang. Although Lahore is now safe, nearby districts face rising threats. The flood in Kasur is the worst since 1955. Several protective embankments have collapsed, cutting off roads and isolating many communities.
Punjab Floods 2025 | Current Situation in Ravi, Chenab & Sutlej | Types of Floods & Safety Tips#Floods #Flood2025 #flooding #floodinpakistan pic.twitter.com/DXqSUCjYo5
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) August 29, 2025
Rescue efforts are underway across the province. Punjab’s Rescue 1122 has safely evacuated over 92,000 people. The Punjab Police deployed 15,000 officers to assist in evacuations and relief. More than 800 boats are active in flood-hit areas. Around 82,000 livestock have also been moved to safer grounds. However, victims have raised concerns about a shortage of rescue boats and poor arrangements for animals.
Several rivers remain in dangerous condition. River Sutlej carries over 300,000 cusecs at Ganda Singh. River Ravi’s water level is dropping at Shahdara but still poses a threat. Multan is bracing for a 700,000 cusecs flood wave. Authorities may have to breach embankments to ease the pressure. In southern Punjab, more than 300,000 people have already started relocating to higher ground.
Meanwhile, floodwater released from Indian territory is flowing into Azad Kashmir. Downstream, Sindh and Balochistan are at serious risk in the coming days. River Indus may see flows up to 1.1 million cusecs at Guddu Barrage. Floodwaters could enter parts of Balochistan by September 2. Authorities have issued alerts in affected regions and set up emergency camps.
In response, international help is beginning to arrive. The Asian Development Bank has announced a $3 million emergency grant. Punjab’s Chief Secretary warned that illegal buildings on riverbeds will be removed without compensation. CM Maryam Nawaz personally visited Shahdara to assess the situation. The government continues to urge citizens to call 1122 in emergencies and follow safety instructions. The disaster remains severe, and urgent action is still needed to protect lives.