Lahore / Gujranwala – The flood situation across Punjab worsened on Wednesday as major rivers continued to swell under relentless monsoon pressures. At Shahdara, the Ravi River surged into high-flood levels, with water flow reaching 145,160 cusecs. Authorities warned the peak could rise to 160,000 cusecs between 9 and 10 a.m., though the river’s full capacity stands at 250,000 cusecs.

Commissioner Lahore assured that the situation remains under control for now, with district administration and all departments placed on high alert. However, downstream risks remain severe.

At Jassar, the flood peak in Ravi has started to ease slightly, with water receding to 152,000 cusecs.

Meanwhile, the Chenab River continues to pose grave danger. Although inflow at Head Khanki has dropped from 1.05 million to 905,000 cusecs, and at Head Qadirabad to 1.045 million cusecs, the situation is still categorized as “extraordinary flood.”

The Sutlej River has also crossed alarming thresholds, with 261,000 cusecs recorded at Ganda Singh Wala. Similarly, Head Marala on the Chenab is witnessing a high flood at 240,000 cusecs, while medium flood levels are ongoing at Balloki (Ravi) and Suleimanki (Sutlej).

Rising Human Toll

The escalating floods have already claimed seven lives in Gujranwala Division, with three others reported missing. According to Commissioner Gujranwala Naveed Haider:

• Gujrat: 3 deaths
• Sialkot: 2 deaths
• Narowal: 1 death
• Gujranwala: 1 death

In Sialkot’s Sambrial area, three individuals remain missing after being swept away by floodwaters.

Emergency Measures in Place

Authorities are racing to manage relief efforts, with rescue teams deployed in low-lying villages. The administration has warned of possible further evacuations if the Ravi flood peak coincides with continuing pressure in the Chenab and Sutlej, raising the risk of widespread inundation.

The situation underscores Punjab’s fragile position amid the ongoing monsoon, with experts warning that the confluence of swollen rivers could amplify the disaster in the coming days.