Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high-flood alert for the Ravi River after India released water from the Thein Dam, which is now almost at full capacity.
In its 17:40 update on Tuesday, the NDMA warned that heavy rainfall was expected in the upper regions of the Ravi over the next 48 hours and that the dam’s spillways could be opened at any time. It said a high-level flood was likely in the Ravi River and its tributaries, including Pir Panjal, Bain, Basantar and Deek.
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that all gates of the Thein Dam had been opened and that 210,000 cusecs of water were entering Pakistan at Kot Ninan. It warned that within 48 hours a very high flood would pass through Jasar, Shahdara and Head Baloki. Current water levels show 142,000 cusecs at Jasar and 56,000 cusecs at Shahdara.
The situation has also worsened on the Sutlej River, where authorities in Kasur reported a flow of 208,973 cusecs at 20:00, with levels continuing to rise.
Large-scale evacuations have been carried out across Punjab. According to NDMA data, nearly 150,000 people have been relocated so far, including 89,868 from Bahawalnagar, 14,140 from Kasur, 2,063 from Okara, 873 from Pakpattan, 361 from Bahawalpur and 165 from Vehari. A further 40,000 moved to safer areas after initial alerts.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered immediate evacuation of low-lying regions and river basins. Emergency response teams and Rescue 1122 staff are on the ground, with district administrations directed to remain on high alert.
The Ministry of Climate Change has forecast heavy rainfall in Gujranwala, Gujrat and Lahore divisions with a high risk of both riverine and urban flooding. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also issued warnings for the Ravi and Chenab rivers, noting that rainfall over the eastern rivers is expected to intensify.
The NDMA has urged citizens to avoid rivers, drains and flood-prone areas, and to cooperate with local authorities and evacuation teams.