Sialkot, Punjab, faced historic flooding after receiving 512 millimetres of rainfall in just 48 hours, as confirmed by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Saba Asghar. Consequently, urban flooding and overflowing drains have disrupted the city, prompting extensive rescue and relief operations.
DC Saba Asghar described the flooding as unprecedented, stating, “This is the first time Sialkot has experienced flooding of this scale.” Three major city drains overflowed, inundating urban areas. As a result, authorities deployed boats on August 27 to rescue residents from affected neighbourhoods. Heavy inflows from India into the Chenab and Sutlej rivers have exacerbated the situation across Punjab, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Very High to Exceptionally High Flood persists in Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej#FloodAlert #FFDReport #PakistanFloods #RiverDischarge #ChenabRiver #RaviRiver #SutlejRiver #FloodWarning #ExtremeDischarge #WaterLevel #FloodForecasting #DisasterPreparedness #highriskareas pic.twitter.com/gEU9e0lgSb
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) August 28, 2025The flooding disrupted operations at Sialkot International Airport, with a suspension of flights from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on August 27, 2025. According to the airport spokesperson, floodwaters breached a protective embankment on the southern side, allowing them to enter parts of the premises. Fortunately, the runway, terminal, and parking areas remain unaffected. The spokesperson added, “All equipment is secure, and we’ve mobilised machinery and staff to drain the water.” A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued to inform airlines.
Read: Pakistan’s 2025 Flood Crisis: Punjab Battles Rising Waters in Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej
The NDMA’s National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) issued an urgent warning of “extraordinary flooding” in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, driven by heavy monsoon rains and water releases from India. For instance, the River Chenab recorded flows of 859,000 cusecs at Khanki and 996,000 cusecs at Qadirabad, while the Sutlej hit 261,000 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala. In response, authorities declared a public holiday in Sialkot and Gujrat districts to prioritise safety and relief efforts.
