Lahore/Kasur – August 26, 2025
Authorities in Punjab have issued red alerts as water levels surge in major rivers, triggering mass evacuations in multiple districts. Officials caution that the coming 48 hours will be critical, with further rainfall and swelling rivers posing serious threats to both cities and low-lying villages.
Evacuations in Progress
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reports that close to 200,000 residents have already been shifted to safer zones in Punjab.
- Over 90,000 people have been evacuated from Bahawalnagar.
- Kasur has witnessed the movement of around 14,000 residents, while significant numbers have also left Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalpur, and Vehari.
- Officials note that many families evacuated voluntarily before rescue teams reached their communities.
Rivers Cross Danger Marks
The Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers are running at hazardous levels, further intensified by inflows from India.
- The Ravi, near Shahdara and Head Balloki, has been declared at a severe flood stage.
- The Sutlej, swollen by upstream discharges, is threatening farmland and settlements along its course.
Risk of Urban Flooding
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted heavy downpours in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat. With weak drainage systems, densely populated areas could face urban flooding, adding to the challenges already at hand.
Government & Relief Efforts
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed federal and provincial bodies to carry out “rapid evacuations and maximum relief measures.”
- Rescue 1122 units, supported by heavy machinery, have been dispatched to vulnerable districts.
- Temporary shelters and field hospitals are being established for displaced families.
- Control centers in Lahore and other major cities are closely monitoring river flows and weather updates around the clock.
In addition, the Punjab government has announced the closure of all educational institutions from August 27 to 30 due to the worsening weather situation.
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