LAHORE: Whereas an unlimited space of Punjab, protecting almost 400 sq. kilometers, has come below water following ongoing torrential rains and the overflow of a number of drains carrying water far past their designed capability, the Chenab and Ravi rivers are anticipated to achieve medium to excessive flood ranges over the subsequent 24 hours.
The warning at a time when the flooding has already brought about widespread injury to standing crops, livestock and infrastructure prompted district administrations in a number of areas to expedite flood-response measures, together with the institution of reduction camps.
“The scenario could be very alarming this time, as an unlimited space of round 400sq-kms has come below water in Sheikhupura, Muridke, Gujranwala, Narowal, Sambrial and Pasrur, which fall inside the Lahore and Gujranwala divisions,” a senior official of the Punjab irrigation division advised. Daybreak on Saturday.
“The present scenario resembles an inland sea due to the huge expanse of floodwater,” the official added, requesting anonymity.
Floodwaters swamp giant swathes of Punjab
The scenario is each unprecedented and extremely difficult through the ongoing monsoon season, in response to the official.
“Let me let you know that the stream within the Ravi at Shahdara (Lahore) is 22,000 cusecs, whereas at Balloki (downstream) it has surged to 87,000 cusecs. The query is: the place did the extra 65,000 cusecs come from? It’s water flowing into the river by drains and rainfall,” he defined.
“Ordinarily, the stream within the Ravi ought to lower by the point it reaches Balloki. As a substitute, it has elevated,” the official stated, including that it might take one other three to 4 days for the scenario to return to regular, supplied there is no such thing as a additional rainfall.
In keeping with the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the Pakistan Meteorological Division, the Chenab and Ravi rivers are at the moment flowing at medium and low flood ranges, respectively. Nevertheless, water ranges in each rivers are anticipated to rise to medium to excessive flood ranges over the subsequent 24 hours.
The Chenab at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad is predicted to stay at medium to excessive flood ranges, whereas the Ravi can also be prone to attain comparable ranges at Balloki (Kasur) and Sidhnai (Khanewal).
“River Chenab at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge is on the medium flood stage. River Indus at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa, River Kabul at Nowshera, River Chenab at Marala and Trimmu, and River Ravi at Balloki and Sidhnai are on the low flood stage. All main rivers at different gauging stations are flowing inside their regular ranges,” the FFD report states.
As extra showers are anticipated on Sunday, the deputy commissioners of Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Khanewal and others have been placed on high-alert when it comes to flood monitoring and preparedness preparations.
The Lahore DC and his workforce rushed to the affected areas within the catchment space of Hudiara drain. They visited Tiba Khudpur Highway and the Hadyara Drain in Mohlanwal to assessment drainage operations and monitor the stream of rainwater following heavy monsoon showers throughout the town.
The Lahore commissioner additionally visited Nankana Sahib to assessment the flood scenario and emergency response preparations. He visited Halla Waraich and inspected the river erosion occurring past the village. In the course of the go to, he was briefed about evacuation, rescue, and reduction preparations and measures. He directed the district administration to desilt the choking factors of Nullah Dek.
Khanewal DC Hena Arshad visited Sidhnai headworks, the Mai Safura Bund Breaching Part, Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah Bund to examine flood safety preparations and assessment preparedness measures.
Printed in Daybreak, July twenty sixth, 2026
