LAHORE – Punjab authorities have deployed army units to support civil and rescue operations in six districts as rivers Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej surge to critical levels. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has raised the flood alert, warning of “extreme” conditions across the province.
Recent heavy monsoon rains and the release of dam water from India have caused rivers to swell sharply. Data from key river headworks highlight the severity: the Chenab at Marala has surpassed dangerous thresholds, while Ravi at Jassar and Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala continue to rise toward “very high” flood statuses. Authorities now fear that embankments could fail in the coming hours.
Responding swiftly, the Punjab government requested military assistance in Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, and Okara. Army aviation and ground personnel are being mobilised to aid evacuations, reinforce defences, and relieve overstretched local rescue teams, including Rescue 1122 and civil departments.
NDMA officials have issued urgent calls for affected communities to move to safer ground immediately, stressing that the next 48 hours are critical for mitigating potential loss of life and widespread inundation.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.