A senior official of the Punjab irrigation department has described the current flooding situation as 'unprecedented and highly challenging,' with approximately 400 square kilometers of land under water in several districts of Pakistan's Punjab province. The official told Dawn on Saturday that the flooding has affected areas including Sheikhupura, Muridke, Gujranwala, Narowal, Sambrial, and Pasrur, all falling within the Lahore and Gujranwala divisions. The devastation follows torrential rains and overflow of multiple drains.
Rivers Ravi and Chenab Expected to Reach High Flood Levels
The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that water levels in both the Chenab and Ravi rivers are expected to rise to medium to high flood levels over the next 24 hours. Currently, the Chenab is flowing at medium flood level while the Ravi is at low flood level. The FFD noted that additional rainfall forecast for Sunday could exacerbate the situation.
As of Saturday, the Ravi at Shahdara (Lahore) recorded a flow of 22,000 cusecs, while downstream at Balloki the flow surged to 87,000 cusecs. The Punjab irrigation department official highlighted the discrepancy: 'The question is: where did the additional 65,000 cusecs come from? It is water flowing into the river through drains and rainfall.' This sudden influx has overwhelmed local drainage systems and caused widespread inundation.
Emergency Preparedness and High Alert
In response to the rising threat, deputy commissioners of Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Khanewal, and other districts have been placed on high alert. Authorities are monitoring flood levels closely and have initiated preparatory measures to mitigate damage. The provincial government has urged residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders if issued.
Historical Context: Pakistan's Recurring Flood Crisis
Pakistan has experienced devastating monsoon floods in recent years. In 2022, unprecedented floods claimed over 1,700 lives, displaced millions, and caused an estimated USD 40 billion in economic losses. More recently, in 2025, catastrophic floods driven by relentless monsoon rains, flash floods, and glacial lake outbursts killed over 800 people and affected more than 1.2 million across multiple provinces, with potential losses reaching USD 50 billion. The country typically faces monsoon flooding from June to September, resulting in deadly landslides, infrastructure damage, and large-scale displacement, particularly in densely populated or poorly drained regions.
The current situation in Punjab underscores the ongoing vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events linked to climate change. With more rain forecast, the next 24 to 48 hours will be critical in determining the severity of the floods.
