As of August 28, 2025, Pakistan is facing significant flooding in Punjab, as the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers have reached dangerously high levels.
The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) has issued alerts throughout the province, leading to urgent rescue and relief operations. Over 300 villages have been flooded, displacing thousands of residents and threatening both homes and crops.
River Ravi
The River Ravi has reached critical levels, with water flows recorded at:
- Shahdara: 145,000 cusecs, posing a significant flood risk to low-lying areas.
- Jassar: 152,000 cusecs, classified as a very high flood level.
The Lahore Commissioner reported that the peak flow at Shahdara has passed, and water levels are expected to recede, ensuring the city remains safe and under control.
River Chenab
The River Chenab is experiencing an extremely high flood at key barrages:
- Khanki: 859,000 cusecs.
- Qadirabad: 996,000 cusecs, with erosion raising concerns of a potential breach.
- Head Marala: 191,000 cusecs.
Authorities have urged vigilance in nearby areas due to the critical situation.
River Sutlej
The River Sutlej is in high flood at multiple points:
- Ganda Singh Wala: 261,000 cusecs, indicating an extremely high flood surge.
- Head Sulemanki: 109,000 cusecs, with medium flood levels.
In Chishtian, six protective embankments have collapsed, flooding over 300 villages and destroying crops across 7,000 acres. In Bahawalnagar, 105 villages and 150,000 people are affected, with 90,000 residents displaced.
The floods have caused widespread devastation:
- Chishtian: Over 300 villages flooded, with 7,000 acres of crops destroyed. Local farmers built an eight-kilometre-long embankment to protect homes, but officials warn that its failure could endanger 20,000 houses.
- Bahawalnagar: Fast-flowing water has damaged temporary bunds, washing away homes and crops, leaving many areas isolated.
The Pakistan Army, Rescue 1122, and district administrations are actively responding:
- Over 2,500 people and 1,700 animals have been relocated to safer areas.
- Relief camps are operational, providing food, medical care, and shelter.
- Emergency services are on high alert, with coordinated efforts to evacuate vulnerable communities and livestock.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has evacuated 210,000 people with no casualties reported, supported by 5,000 tents from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The FFD warns that flood conditions may worsen in the next 24 hours, particularly in the Sutlej belt, due to high inflows. The government has issued evacuation orders for low-lying areas and urged residents to follow safety instructions. The NDMA and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) are monitoring the situation, with updates available at www.ndma.gov.pk.
Pakistan has faced recurrent flooding, with the 2022 floods affecting over 33 million people and causing $30 billion in damage. The 2025 floods, exacerbated by heavy monsoon rains and water releases from India, highlight the need for robust infrastructure and early warning systems. The NDMA’s zero-casualty evacuations reflect an improvement in disaster management.
