LAHORE (Web Desk) – The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed on Friday that medium-level flooding had developed at Kalabagh on the Indus River due to monsoon rains and melting glaciers.
Rescue operations are ongoing throughout the province after recent heavy rains led to severe damage and at least 63 reported deaths.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Pakistan may witness five additional monsoon spells in the coming weeks, which could further raise water levels. The next spell is projected to occur from July 21 to July 28, with subsequent phases expected throughout August.
As per the Flood Forecasting Division of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Kalabagh was facing a steady medium-level flood as of 1pm, with water inflow measured at 447,941 cusecs and outflow at 440,391 cusecs.
Meanwhile, low-level flooding was observed at Tarbela Dam, Chashma Barrage, and the Guddu and Sukkur barrages in Sindh. Water levels at Tarbela and Guddu showed a declining trend, whereas Chashma was rising, and Sukkur remained stable.
In its latest briefing, the PDMA confirmed that water levels in the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers were normal, along with Dera Ghazi Khan's irrigation system. Mangla Dam was recorded at 47% capacity and Tarbela at 79%. Across the border, India’s dams on the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers were filled to around 36%.
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Authorities have enforced Section 144 throughout Punjab and declared emergencies in several districts following the monsoon-triggered disasters. NDMA Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik stated that this year’s monsoon intensity is 60–70% higher than the previous year and approximately 65% above forecasts.
Since June 26, monsoon-related incidents have claimed 181 lives nationwide and injured 491 people, according to the NDMA.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia urged officials to remain on alert, noting that 24/7 monitoring is being conducted via the PDMA Control Room and District Emergency Operations Centres. He advised the public to take precautions, limit travel, and stay away from power lines and poles.
Highlighting the rescue efforts, DG Kathia reported that over 1,000 individuals were evacuated from flood-hit areas across the Potohar region. This included 398 people in Jhelum, 209 in Chakwal, and 450 in Rawalpindi.
40 villages evacuated in Sargodha as Jhelum River water levels rise
Due to the continuous rise in water levels in the River Jhelum and the risk of possible flooding, 40 villages in three tehsils of Sargodha district — Bhera, Shahpur, and Chota Sahiwal — have been evacuated.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, flood relief camps have been set up in these areas, where essential facilities are being provided to the affected people.
Rescue officials reported that over 200 personnel have been deployed at various locations, and residents living along the riverbanks have been shifted to safer areas.
According to PDMA, a flow of 21,000 cusecs is passing through the Langarwala point of the River Jhelum, prompting a high alert along the riverbanks. The public has been warned to stay away from the river.
The deputy commissioner further stated that the Health and Livestock Departments have also set up camps to provide medical services and care for animals affected by the situation.
Rain in Lahore
Rain continued to lash Lahore on Thursday, with Nakhuda Chowk recording the highest rainfall at 111mm, according to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA).
Between 12:20pm and 3:10pm, the city saw an average of 24mm of rain. Tajpura received 55mm, Mughalpura 45mm, Pani Wala Talab 35mm, Farrukhabad 33mm, while Lakshmi Chowk and Nishtar Town recorded 21mm each. Johar Town received 19mm during the same period.
In a separate statement, Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmad outlined the extent of the damage and casualties from rains that began on June 25. The agency reported 109 deaths, 438 serious injuries, and over 745 rescue operations across Punjab.
Lahore recorded the highest number of fatalities at 24, followed by Faisalabad (15), Sheikhupura (11), Rawalpindi (10), Okara (8), Bahawalnagar (7), and 34 deaths from other districts. Most deaths were caused by structural collapses—351 such cases were reported—alongside 61 traffic incidents, 22 electrocutions, and four lightning strikes.