Lahore Battles Ravi River Floods as Punjab Faces Crisis

LAHORE, Pakistan — Authorities in Lahore are struggling to protect the city from the surging Ravi River, with floodwaters hitting critical levels at Shahdara (219,770 cusecs) and Balloki (117,490 cusecs). The floods have killed 22 people and displaced over 1.2 million across Punjab, marking one of the worst flood crises in recent years.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned that ongoing rainfall could worsen flooding along the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers within 48 hours. Relief efforts are underway, with 263 camps set up and 365 rescue missions conducted using helicopters and boats. The NDMA urged residents to contact local authorities in emergencies.

In Gujrat, three children drowned after an embankment collapsed. In Sialkot, a family of five perished when their home was swept away. Floods in Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Narowal breached dikes, submerging villages and farmland. The Chenab River at Qadirabad hit 996,000 cusecs, exceeding its capacity, prompting controlled breaches to divert water.

The Sutlej River, swollen by rains, recorded 113,124 cusecs at Sulemanki, flooding Kasur and Pakpattan. Residents fled with minimal belongings, using makeshift rafts. In Multan, floodwaters approach as authorities evacuate 60% of at-risk residents. Narowal and Sheikhupura face severe flooding, with roads and rail services disrupted.

The Meteorological Department forecast heavy rains across Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan through September 2, raising risks of urban flooding and landslides. Rescue teams remain on alert, but relief camps struggle to provide adequate shelter and supplies. Farmers face months of recovery after losing crops and livestock. Lahore’s reinforced embankments are critical, with contingency plans in place if the Ravi advances further.

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