PMD warns of ‘high flood levels’ in Sutlej, Chenab

Lahore
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of “exceptionally high flood levels” in major rivers as heavy rainfall is expected in their upper catchments from August 30 to September 2.
According to the latest advisory, the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala will remain at “exceptionally high flood level,” while water levels in the Ravi at Shahdara are expected to gradually decrease from exceptionally high to high in the next 24 hours.
The Chenab at Trimmu is forecast to reach “exceptionally high flood level” within 24 hours, while at Panjnad it is expected to reach “very high flood level” on September 2. Meanwhile, the Indus River at Guddu and Sukkur barrages is predicted to reach very high flood levels on September 4 and 5.
The PMD cautioned that the intensity of rainfall may shift from moderate to heavy, raising concerns of urban flooding across Punjab.
Riwaz bridge breached
A breach was made at Riwaz bridge to divert floodwaters of the Chenab River and protect Jhang city from inundation, according to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed confirmed the breach and said residents from the riverbed had been evacuated. He added that the administrations of Faisalabad and Jhang had been directed to stay on high alert, with officials deployed in the field.
Ravi River at Shahdara swells to highest level since 1988
Water levels in Punjab’s major rivers have surged to their highest in decades, with the Ravi River at Lahore’s Shahdara point swelling to 220,000 cusecs — the largest flow recorded since 1988.
According to Punjab PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, the surge at Shahdara was the most severe since 1988. He confirmed that floodwaters reached nine locations in the city, but swift rescue operations ensured there were no fatalities. The Flood Forecasting Department (FFD) reported rainfall across Lahore, with Nisar Town recording the highest at 25mm, followed by 11mm in Johar Town.
Moreover, evacuations were carried out in Theme Park, Mohlanwal, Mureed Wala, Farukh Abad, Shafiq Abad, Afghan Colony, New Meter City, and Chuhng. In Pak View Housing, residents were moved before four blocks were inundated. Relief operations are also underway in Talat Park and Babu Sabu.
The government has set up relief camps to shelter displaced families. Around 70 people are currently housed at Lachi Wali School, while others are being accommodated at the Chuhng Thokar relief camp.
Although water levels remain dangerously high in parts of the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers, officials say flows at most major headworks are currently stable and under control.