High Flood Alert Issued for River Ravi at Shahdara

Authorities have issued a warning for a potential high flood in the River Ravi at Shahdara tonight (Wednesday). Punjab is at an “exceptionally high” risk of flooding due to significant rainfall and substantial water releases from Indian dams.

The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) indicates that the Ravi River at Jassar has a high flood level of 202,200 cusecs, with potential to increase to 229,700 cusecs. Currently, the river is flowing at 72,900 cusecs at Shahdara in Lahore, posing a flooding threat to low-lying regions such as Shahdara, Park View, and Motorway-2.

The peak flow is anticipated to hit Shahdara between 10pm and 12am, subsequently moving towards Balloki around 9am on Wednesday.

The Indian High Commission has provided relevant data to Pakistan, prompting the Indus Water Commissioner’s office to issue a flood advisory. The alert suggests a high flood is likely in the Sutlej at Ferozepur (downstream), in the Ravi at Madhopur (downstream), and in the Chenab at Akhnoor.

NEOC also reported an extremely high flood in the Sutlej, registering 245,000 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala and 100,355 cusecs at Sulemanki. The Chenab River recorded an unusually high discharge of 769,481 cusecs at Marala and 705,225 cusecs at Khanki. Officials have observed that water flows at Khanki have begun to decrease.

The NEOC mentioned that the rapid escalation in water levels in the Ravi and Chenab over the last day has presented a significant challenge, but precautionary evacuations are actively being carried out.

According to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), approximately 20,000 to 25,000 individuals have been evacuated from the floodplains of these two rivers.

Following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s instructions, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is overseeing all rescue and relief efforts. The NEOC control room is operational 24/7, and NDMA is maintaining close contact with both civil and military entities.

Residents residing along riverbanks and waterways are strongly advised to immediately evacuate to safer areas, as rescue and relief teams remain prepared.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia stated earlier today that water levels in major Punjab rivers are expected to recede following a halt in rainfall in the upper catchment zones. He mentioned that this easing pattern follows days of substantial flows, particularly in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers.

During a press conference in Lahore, Kathia pointed out that the Sutlej had been experiencing a “high flood” situation for the past 5 to 10 days. However, the flow at Ganda Singh is currently stable at 245,000 cusecs and is no longer increasing.

Floodplains along the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers have been evacuated in response to the situation. Kathiya confirmed that between 20,000 and 25,000 people were safely relocated from the Ravi and Chenab floodplains last night.

The PDMA chief emphasized that one of the key concerns is the River Ravi, where the flow at Jassar has surged to over 200,000 cusecs, leading to the predicted surge at Shahdara tonight before moving towards Balloki around 9am on Wednesday.

“The Ravi River has a capacity of 250,000 cusecs at Shahdara. We anticipate the flow to remain between 180,000 and 190,000 cusecs, which should pass through without issues,” he said. The last similar surge occurred in 1988, when the river reached 346,500 cusecs.

Kathia stated that the sudden rise in water levels in the Ravi and Chenab yesterday presented a significant challenge, but evacuation procedures have been completed. “We are confident the water will safely pass through Shahdara, and there will be no casualties,” he added.

He urged the public to avoid the floodplains, assuring that all rescue and relief teams are on standby.

This is an evolving situation, and further updates will be provided as they become available.