Thousands of people have been evacuated from riverine areas of Punjab as the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers experience “exceptionally high” floods following India’s release of water into Pakistan, officials said Wednesday.

 

Punjab is currently grappling with an extraordinary flood emergency caused by a mix of heavy rainfall and India’s release of water from at least two dams.

 

After India opened all gates of major dams on rivers in Held Kashmir following heavy rains, authorities issued an alert for flooding in Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej – that flow into the country from India.

 

Following the alert, the Punjab government called in the army to assist civil authorities in rescue and relief-related operations in at least eight districts.

 

Ravi at Jassar is carrying a high flood of 202,200 cusecs, which could rise to 229,700 cusecs. At Shahdara in Lahore, the river is currently flowing at 72,900 cusecs, putting low-lying areas, including Shahdara, Park View and Motorway M-2, at risk of flooding, the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) said.

 

Rescue teams have evacuated dozens of people trapped in floodwaters in Shakargarh, Narowal and Gujranwala districts after heavy overnight downpour swelled rivers and streams. Roads, schools and villages were inundated in parts of Narowal, while sections of Head Khanki road in Gujranwala were submerged, cutting off access to nearby villages. 

 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif chaired an emergency meeting to review the emergency situation. The NDMA chairman briefed the prime minister on the latest flood conditions.

 

The premier directed authorities to further improve early warning systems to ensure timely alerts, adding that the delivery of essential supplies must continue without delay.