Ravi, Sutlej & Chenab in spate in Pakistan, 28000 evacuated

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s flood emergency deepened on Wednesday as the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers swelled to dangerous levels, forcing thousands from their homes across Punjab.

Evacuations have been carried out in several districts, with Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara inundated and Lahore bracing for rising waters.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that engineer and infantry units were deployed, with helicopters on standby once weather conditions improve. Officials said the operation has so far saved more than 28,000 people across Punjab, though two soldiers lost their lives during relief efforts.

Lahore faces its own danger. The Ravi has risen sharply, and officials have issued evacuation advisories for riverside settlements. Residents of Shahdara and adjoining low-lying housing societies have been told to vacate immediately. District authorities warned that floodwaters could inundate colonies built close to the riverbank, and emergency shelters have been set up.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has declared very high to exceptionally high flood levels in the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab. At Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad headworks, the Chenab is flowing well above danger levels, while the Sutlej continues to inundate Kasur district around Ganda Singh Wala.

Besides Lahore and Narowal, large-scale evacuations are underway in Sialkot, Okara, Hafizabad, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar and Vehari. Tens of thousands have moved out of riverine “katcha” areas, with livestock and belongings in tow. Authorities say dam releases upstream and record rainfall in Punjab have compounded the crisis. The National Disaster Management Authority has cautioned that swollen tributaries will feed into the Indus river, putting Sindh province at risk of very high floods around September 4-5. Pre-evacuations of riverbank communities in Sindh have been ordered.