Nearly 150,000 people have been evacuated to safer areas in Punjab after the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued warnings about dangerous flooding in the Sutlej and Ravi rivers.
The crisis deepened following heavy monsoon rains and India’s sudden release of water into both rivers, sparking fears of widespread devastation across low-lying districts.
Acting on early alerts, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab moved swiftly to evacuate residents from flood-prone districts including Bahawalnagar, Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalpur, and Vehari. Entire villages situated along river embankments have been cleared, while relief camps and emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate displaced families and their livestock.
Authorities confirmed that nearly 40,000 residents left on their own soon after initial warnings were broadcast, while thousands more were relocated with the help of emergency teams. Announcements from mosques and mobile alerts are urging citizens to stay away from rivers, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety measures strictly.
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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed officials to ensure no one remains stranded as flood torrents continue to surge.
Critical flood situation in major rivers
According to NDMA, the Sutlej River has entered a “very high flood stage” at several points, while the Ravi River is also experiencing medium to high flooding. Tributaries such as Basantar, Bein, and Deg are overflowing as well.
The Indus River is seeing medium flooding at Sukkur Barrage and low levels at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu, and Kotri. Meanwhile, the Chenab has entered a low flood stage at Head Marala, though the Jhelum, Kabul, and Nari rivers remain stable.
Reservoirs are filling fast — Tarbela Dam is nearly full and Mangla is close to capacity, adding to the risks of further flooding.
The flooding crisis has been further complicated by diplomatic friction. India recently informed Pakistan — through its High Commission in Islamabad — about planned water discharges “on humanitarian grounds.” However, New Delhi bypassed the Indus Waters Commission, which is the official channel under the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960.
This move has sparked serious concern in Islamabad, with the Foreign Office describing it as an Indus Waters Treaty violation, stressing that the treaty does not allow unilateral suspension or abeyance. Officials warn that such actions threaten regional stability and could endanger Pakistan’s agriculture and energy security.
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India had earlier announced it was putting the treaty “in abeyance” after an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir — an allegation Pakistan has strongly rejected. Analysts believe this latest Indus Waters Treaty violation could further escalate already fragile ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Human cost of monsoon floods
Pakistan has been battered by intense monsoon rains this year. According to NDMA data, 799 people have lost their lives since late June. The northwest region alone accounts for nearly half the deaths, while Gilgit-Baltistan is suffering accelerated glacial melt and Karachi recently endured severe urban flooding.
Across the border, heavy rains in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir have killed at least 60 people this month. Forecasts warn of more torrential downpours until September 10, raising fears of worsening conditions in both countries.
