Lahore: In Punjab, the relentless monsoon has transformed the region’s rivers into a menacing threat. With the rains yet to cease, authorities are monitoring an alarming surge in water levels, signaling a perilous situation for communities near the riverbanks.
The Ravi River, a major artery of the province, is flowing at dangerously high rates. The Directorate General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reports a flow of 54,000 cusecs at Jasar, increasing to 60,000 cusecs at Shahdara. The situation is even more critical at Head Sadhanai, where the flow has reached a staggering 1,07,000 cusecs, and at Balloki headworks, it’s a massive 1,37,000 cusecs.
Similarly, the Sutlej and Chenab rivers are also swelling. The Sutlej is experiencing a tremendous flow of 2,53,000 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala and 1,24,000 cusecs at Sulemanki. Meanwhile, the Chenab’s flow has hit 96,000 cusecs at Marala, rising to 1,20,000 cusecs at Khanki headworks, and peaking at 1,35,000 cusecs at Qadirabad.
A senior official has warned that this is just the beginning. The Relief Commissioner has stated that an unusual increase in river flow is anticipated by September 5, threatening to submerge low-lying areas and putting residents at grave risk. Evacuation and relief efforts are being prepared as the province braces for potential flooding.
