Punjab on High Alert: exceptionally high flood in Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej Surge

Army deployed as exceptionally high’ flood in Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej triggers Punjab emergency:

Punjab is battling an exceptionally high flood in Chenab after days of relentless monsoon rains combined with sudden upstream releases from Indian dams. The provincial government has called in the army across six districts to backstop civil authorities with round-the-clock rescue and relief.

By midday Wednesday, the Flood Forecasting Division confirmed an exceptionally high flood in Chenab at the Qadirabad and Khanki headworks, while the Ravi (at Jassar) and Sutlej (at Ganda Singh Wala) also swelled to dangerous levels. Thousands living along river belts are under urgent evacuation advisories.

Situation at a glance

• exceptionally high flood in Chenab at Qadirabad and Khanki; Ravi at Jassar; Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala
• Another Chenab point downgraded to “very high” at Marala (flows declining)
• Five key Indus headworks (Chashma, Taunsa, Guddu, Sukkur, Kotri) currently at low flood
• PM directs ministers to visit impacted districts; army assisting in six districts
• PDMA warns of high flood on Ravi at Jassar; more showers expected across Punjab
• Rescue 1122: Over 32,500 people evacuated from riverine areas
• Sialkot records heaviest rainfall in 49 years

Where the exceptionally high’ flood in Chenab stands now

• Khanki Headworks: Outflows above 1,000,000 cusecs and “steady,” indicating the exceptionally high flood in Chenab continues to press downstream.
• Qadirabad Headworks: Outflows exceeding 900,000 cusecs with a “rising” trend, suggesting the exceptionally high flood in Chenab could intensify through the afternoon.
• Marala Headworks: Eased from “exceptionally high” to “very high,” with declining outflows around 600,000 cusecs.

Ravi and Sutlej status:

• Jassar (Ravi): Above 200,000 cusecs with a “falling” trend; PDMA maintains high-flood alert for the reach.
• Ganda Singh Wala (Sutlej): Over 200,000 cusecs and “steady.”
• Balloki and Shahdara (Ravi): Medium flood; both under 100,000 cusecs.
• Suleimanki (Sutlej): Medium flood around 100,000 cusecs.
• Islam Headworks (Sutlej): Low flood.

Indus basin:

• Chashma, Taunsa, Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri: Low flood as of the latest midday update.

Dam operations and releases:

• NDMA announced Tarbela spillways opening around 12:30 pm to manage reservoir levels, with downstream flows expected to reach ~250,000 cusecs. People are advised to stay away from riverbanks and adjoining waterways.

Government and army response

A high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq and Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman reviewed the evolving flood picture. Authorities decided not to place breaching sections on embankments along the Chenab and Ravi at this stage. Instead, the focus is on swift evacuations, protecting critical infrastructure, and continuous monitoring. Officials emphasized there is no margin for error amid the exceptionally high flood in Chenab.

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed said deputy commissioners and field teams are present on the ground to oversee evacuations and logistics. The prime minister has directed federal ministers to visit the hardest-hit districts, coordinate support, and remove bottlenecks in relief.

Evacuations and safety

Rescue 1122 reports more than 32,500 people have been moved from vulnerable riverine belts, with priority given to low-lying hamlets most exposed to the crest of the exceptionally high flood in Chenab. Medical teams, boats, and temporary shelters are being deployed, and residents are urged to comply with evacuation orders without delay.

Upstream releases and weather drivers

• Following heavy rains in Indian-administered Kashmir, India opened all gates of major reservoirs on upstream rivers and warned Pakistan of potential downstream impacts. The PDMA noted Thein Dam (Ravi) gates were opened and issued a follow-up warning regarding likely releases from the rapidly filling Madhopur Dam (also on Ravi).
• In northern Pakistan, intense monsoon downpours have swollen upper catchments, compounding inflows into the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej. Sialkot recorded its heaviest rainfall in 49 years, with further showers likely in parts of Punjab.

What to watch next

• If the exceptionally high’ flood in Chenab persists over the next 12–24 hours, expect sustained pressure at downstream headworks and potential spillovers into connected nullahs and agricultural tracts.
• Flows can change quickly. Follow NDMA/PDMA advisories, district administration updates, and river gauges for real-time direction.
• Avoid riverbanks, bridges, and spill channels; keep emergency kits, medicine, and documents ready; move livestock to higher ground as early as possible.

Quick safety checklist

• Heed evacuation orders immediately and move to designated relief centers.
• Avoid crossing inundated roads; even shallow, fast-moving water is dangerous.
• Keep phones charged, flashlights ready, and a battery-powered radio if possible.
• Secure valuables and switch off electricity at the main breaker before leaving.
• Check on elderly neighbors, people with disabilities, and families with small children.