Islamabad: The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has issued a high-level flood alert for the Chenab and Ravi rivers, warning of a significant increase in water flow and potential severe flooding in several districts of Punjab.
According to the alert, flood surges are expected to substantially increase the water flow in the Chenab River. The flow at the Trimmu Barrage is anticipated to reach between 700,000 to 800,000 cusecs by approximately 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 31, 2025, raising concerns over a severe flood situation.
This impending flood situation is expected to severely impact the districts of Jhang and its adjoining areas.
These flood surges are projected to reach Panjnad by the afternoon of Wednesday, September 3, 2025, where a flow of 650,000 to 700,000 cusecs is expected, also creating a risk of severe flooding. The potentially affected districts include Hafizabad, Chiniot, Multan, Panjnad, and Bahawalpur. Evacuation orders have been issued for populations in these areas.
In a related development, the area of 18 Hazari on the left bank of the Chenab River may be used as a breaching site to manage the potential flood situation.
Simultaneously, a rapid rise in water levels is also forecast for the Ravi River. A high flood with a flow between 150,000 to 200,000 cusecs is expected at the Balloki Barrage by 7:00 AM on Thursday, August 29, 2025.
The flood wave will reach Sidhnai by Monday, September 1, where it is likely to remain at a dangerously high level of 125,000 to 150,000 cusecs.
The NEOC has identified several high-risk union councils, including:
- Lahore: Shahdara, Kot Mahboob, Jiya Musa, Aziz Colony, Qaiser Town, Faisal Park, Dheir, Kot Begum.
- Sheikhupura & Ferozewala: Faizpur Khu, Dhamikey, Dakka, Burj Attari, Kot Abdul Malik.
- Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib: Ganesh Pur area.
- Kasur, Pattoki: Phool Nagar, Rakh Khan Ke, Natti Khalid, Lambay Jageer, Kot Sardar, Hanjraey Kalan, Bhattarwal Kalan, Nowshehra Gaye.
- Khanewal: Ghaus Pur, Mian Channu, Umedgarh, Kot Islam, Abdul Hakeem, Kabirwala.
Federal Response and Public Instructions
On the directives of the Prime Minister, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is overseeing all rescue and relief activities. The National Emergencies Operation Center is now fully activated on a 24/7 basis, and the NDMA is in close coordination with all civil and military institutions.
The authorities have issued urgent instructions for the public:
- Residents living along riverbanks and waterways must immediately relocate to safer locations.
- The public must promptly comply with all instructions issued by the local administration.
- Completely avoid all non-essential travel to the anticipated flood-affected areas.
- Prepare an emergency kit containing water, food, and necessary medicines, and secure all important documents.
- In case of an emergency, immediately contact rescue services.
For further guidance and real-time updates, the public is advised to use the NDMA Disaster Alert App.
