Punjab reels under worst floods in decades, with 25 dead and over 1.46m displaced

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Floodwaters have inundated large parts of Punjab, including the provincial capital Lahore, where rescue efforts are underway to relocate residents to safer areas.

Authorities have warned that another flood wave from India is expected to enter the Chenab River this evening, while a fresh spell of monsoon rains across the country could worsen the situation.

Flooding in the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers has badly affected Lahore, Kasur, Jhang, Hafizabad, Pakpattan, Sialkot, Chiniot, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Sargodha, Narowal, Bahawalnagar, and Bahawalpur.

At least 25 people lost their lives in flood-related incidents across Punjab during the past 24 hours, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that Gujranwala recorded the highest fatalities, while clarifying no casualties occurred during evacuation efforts.

According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), more than 1,692 villages have been submerged and over 1.46 million people displaced as Punjab faces its worst flooding in four decades. Floodwaters have also damaged standing crops across hundreds of villages, causing massive agricultural losses.

Officials say the surge in water flow has been triggered by heavy monsoon rains and India’s release of water from its dams. In some areas, riverbanks had to be deliberately breached to manage the situation.

Lahore impact

In Lahore, suburban areas including Mohlanwal and several housing societies are under water. Deputy Commissioner Lahore, Raza Mosa, said the Ravi River is currently flowing at 211,000 cusecs, though water levels are expected to gradually recede over the next 10 hours.

No casualties have been reported in the city so far. Around 2,000 residents have been evacuated, with 18 relief camps established to shelter those unable to leave. Officials confirmed that meals and basic supplies are being provided at the camps.

Floodwaters have entered Shahdara, Chung, Badami Bagh, Shafiqabad, Manawan, Barakat Colony, and several other neighborhoods. Private housing societies have also been affected, forcing residents to flee overnight.

Wider devastation

In Narowal and Shakargarh, villages have been submerged, with thousands of acres of farmland destroyed and livestock swept away. In Chiniot’s Lalian Tehsil, a protective dyke broke, flooding over 100 villages.

Floodwaters are rising dangerously in Jhang, where authorities have decided to breach Rozwah Bridge to divert water and protect major towns. More than 140 villages have been evacuated, with over 100,000 people relocated to safer areas.

In Multan, authorities have decided to breach embankments at Head Muhammadwala to divert a massive flood wave expected to hit the city within 48 hours. Similarly, in Sahiwal, breaches in protective dykes have threatened nearby communities, prompting fresh evacuations.

In Bahawalpur, breaches in protective embankments of the Sutlej River have submerged villages and thousands of acres of farmland. Rail operations have also been suspended near Qila Ahmadabad due to inundated tracks.

Relief efforts

According to PDMA Director General Irfan Kathia, the Punjab government has announced compensation of Rs 1 million for families of flood victims. So far, more than 265,000 people and 155,000 livestock have been shifted to safe zones. Nearly 355 relief camps have been set up across flood-hit areas.

Despite large-scale evacuations, severe shortages of food, drinking water, and shelter are being reported, particularly in Pakpattan and southern Punjab.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has lauded the use of Safe City Authority drones to track stranded people and livestock, terming it an effective rescue strategy.

Flood Forecasting Division has warned that the Chenab River could reach an “exceptionally high flood” level at Head Trimmu and Head Panjnad in the coming days, while the Sutlej continues to flow in very high flood at Ganda Singh Wala.

Army continues rescue efforts

The Pakistan Army is actively conducting rescue and relief operations in flood-affected areas across Punjab, including Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, and Head Khanki.

صوبہ پنجاب کے سیلاب سے متاثرہ علاقوں میں پاک فوج کا ریسکیو اینڈ ریلیف آپریشن جاری#DunyaNews #BreakingNews #LatestNews #PakArmy #FloodRelief pic.twitter.com/0nu0rKYh6P

— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) August 29, 2025

Army personnel, using helicopters and boats, are evacuating stranded residents to safer locations. Among those rescued are elderly citizens, women, and children, who are being immediately relocated to relief centers for care and support.

In collaboration with civil administration, the Pakistan Army has set up rescue and relief camps for flood victims. These camps are providing essential services, including food, basic medical aid, and other necessary facilities.

Flood victims have expressed appreciation for the Army's timely response and dedicated efforts in managing the crisis and ensuring public safety.