Lahore on High Alert as Punjab Faces Worst Flood Surge in Years
Lahore, August 27, 2025 – Punjab is bracing for a massive flood surge tonight as heavy monsoon rains and large water releases from India push river levels to dangerous highs. Authorities have sounded urgent warnings, with the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers now overflowing and threatening nearby communities.
Earlier today, more than 200,000 cusecs of water was released into the Ravi River, inundating low-lying areas and villages along its banks. To reduce pressure, authorities carried out controlled explosions on embankments near Qadirpur Headworks. The situation has escalated further at Chenab’s Head Khanki, where water flow has surged past 1 million cusecs, exceeding its designed capacity of 800,000 cusecs.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of possible structural damage to headworks and bridges as water levels continue to rise. In Sialkot’s Sambrial, flash floods tragically claimed seven lives, including two children, while rescue teams evacuated more than 110 villagers after 50 villages were submerged. Similar rescue operations in Narowal saved dozens of women and children stranded by floodwaters.
Meanwhile, several villages near the Ravi River in Nankana Sahib have gone underwater after the sudden water release from India. Farmlands growing rice, maize, and vegetables have suffered heavy losses, leaving families cut off and awaiting evacuation. In Gujranwala, authorities have issued evacuation alerts as floodwaters advance.
To combat the crisis, the Punjab government has deployed the army in eight districts, including Lahore, Kasur, Faisalabad, Narowal, and Okara. Soldiers are actively rescuing families, moving livestock, and setting up emergency relief camps. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed federal ministers to visit affected regions immediately and oversee 24/7 rescue and relief operations.
For now, authorities remain on high alert, urging citizens in flood-prone areas to cooperate with rescue teams as Punjab faces one of the most severe flood surges in decades.
