Punjab Floods 2025: Crisis Deepens as Rivers Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab Overflow

LAHORE — August 28, 2025: Punjab is facing one of its worst flood emergencies in decades as the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers surge to dangerous levels. The disaster, triggered by relentless monsoon rains and water releases from upstream Indian dams, has already claimed lives and displaced thousands.

Current Flood Situation in Key Districts

• Sialkot & Gujranwala Division: Fifteen people have lost their lives in Gujranwala division, including five in Sialkot. The city recorded its highest rainfall in 11 years, while the Ravi’s water level is the most dangerous in nearly four decades.
• Lahore: Authorities issued evacuation advisories for Shahdara and other low-lying settlements as the Ravi rises to high-flood levels. Emergency evacuations are underway.
• Kasur: The Sutlej River is flowing at an exceptionally high flood level, submerging over 72 villages. Thousands have been evacuated to safety.
• Narowal: Villages have been inundated, and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur was submerged, though the holy scripture was safely relocated. Pakistan Army teams are carrying out large-scale rescue operations.
• Other Affected Districts: Relief efforts are also active in Okara, Hafizabad, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, and Vehari.

Government and Military Response

• Evacuations: Over 200,000 people have been rescued and shifted to safer locations since mid-August. Boats are being used to transport stranded families and livestock.
• Army Deployment: On Punjab’s request, the Pakistan Army is assisting in Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, and Narowal, reinforcing embankments and supporting rescue operations.

• Leadership Action:
  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit areas and directed urgent relief measures.
  • Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired emergency meetings, ordered maximum mobilization of resources, and directed hospitals to provide round-the-clock care for victims.
• Relief Camps: The Punjab government has set up 260 relief camps and 160 medical camps, providing food, shelter, and treatment. Over 2,600 victims are currently receiving medical care.

Broader Context

• The eighth spell of the monsoon season is adding to the crisis, with more heavy rainfall expected in Punjab and beyond.
• The NDMA has warned that rising waters from Punjab will move downstream into Sindh, posing a severe risk of high floods. Preparations and precautionary evacuations have been advised.
• Punjab’s leadership has reiterated the urgent need for long-term flood management, including the construction of new dams and water reservoirs to protect vulnerable communities.

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