ISLAMABAD/LAHORE:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to step up evacuations and relief efforts as floodwaters continue to swell across major rivers in Punjab, disrupting communities and threatening low-lying areas.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review the situation, the premier stressed the need for “swift and coordinated action” in districts affected by rising water levels, particularly along the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers. He called for accelerated rescue operations, timely evacuations, and uninterrupted provision of food, medicine, and tents for displaced families.
The prime minister also instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to maintain close coordination with Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to ensure effective relief operations.
190,000 Evacuated So Far
Officials briefed the meeting that advance flood warnings helped authorities evacuate residents ahead of the surging waters. As a result, no casualties have been reported from the Sutlej so far. More than 190,000 people have already been shifted to safer areas, with large-scale rescue work continuing in Narowal and other flood-hit districts.
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, electricity restoration is underway in inundated localities, while in Gilgit-Baltistan, a two-kilometre stretch of the national highway remains submerged.
Authorities also flagged severe flooding in Gundasinghwala (Sutlej), Jaister (Ravi), Marala (Chenab), and the Dek Nullah region.
NDMA and PDMA Step In
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider confirmed that nearly 190,000 people have been moved out of danger zones along the Sutlej. He warned that continued rainfall could further swell water levels in Punjab’s major rivers, raising the risk for surrounding communities.
“Our operational focus remains on the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers,” Lt Gen Haider said, stressing that the evacuation drive was being carried out in partnership with the PDMA and Rescue 1122.
Punjab PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia also issued a fresh warning of high flood risks over the next 48 hours, especially in Dera Ghazi Khan’s hill torrents. Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed confirmed that temporary relief camps equipped with essential facilities had been set up to accommodate displaced families.
Lahore on High Alert
The Lahore district administration has raised a high alert as the Ravi River threatens to overflow in the coming days. Residents in vulnerable zones have been asked to evacuate immediately. Rescue 1122 teams are on standby, while medical and relief camps are being established.
A control room has been activated at the Deputy Commissioner’s office to monitor the crisis round-the-clock. Authorities are also working to clear obstructions along the Ravi to ensure the smooth passage of floodwaters.
“We are taking every possible step to protect lives,” the Deputy Commissioner said, urging residents not to fall prey to rumours and instead rely on official advisories. Citizens have been asked to report emergencies through Rescue 1122 or the control room hotline at 0307-0002345.
NDMA Issues Rainfall Alert
Separately, the NDMA issued a fresh warning for heavy rainfall in parts of Punjab and Azad Jammu & Kashmir over the next twelve hours. The authority cautioned that the downpours could trigger urban flooding, waterlogging, flash floods, and landslides in hilly areas.
“Citizens should avoid unnecessary travel and remain at a safe distance from rivers and streams,” an NDMA spokesperson advised. Emergency alerts are being issued through TV, radio, mobile notifications, and the NDMA’s Disaster Alert app.
Authorities remain on high alert as the eighth spell of the monsoon season intensifies, with vulnerable areas bracing for further challenges in the days ahead.
