LAHORE: The Ravi and Chenab rivers are expected to reach medium-to-high flood levels over the next 24 hours as torrential rains and overflowing drains inundate large parts of Punjab.
Nearly 400 square kilometres across the province have already gone under water after several drains carried volumes far beyond their designed capacity.
The flooding has caused widespread damage to standing crops, livestock and infrastructure, prompting district administrations in several areas to accelerate emergency measures and establish relief camps.
“The situation is very alarming this time, as a vast area of around 400 square kilometres has come under water in Sheikhupura, Muridke, Gujranwala, Narowal, Sambrial and Pasrur, which fall within the Lahore and Gujranwala divisions,” a senior Punjab irrigation department official told Dawn on Saturday.
“The current situation resembles an inland sea because of the vast expanse of floodwater,” said the official, who requested anonymity.
Floodwaters swamp large parts of Punjab
The official described the flooding as unprecedented and highly challenging during the current monsoon season.
“Let me tell you that the flow in the Ravi at Shahdara in Lahore is 22,000 cusecs, whereas at Balloki downstream it has surged to 87,000 cusecs. The question is: where did the additional 65,000 cusecs come from? It is water flowing into the river through drains and rainfall,” he said.
“Ordinarily, the flow in the Ravi should decrease by the time it reaches Balloki. Instead, it has increased.”
The official said it could take another three to four days for the situation to return to normal, provided there was no further rainfall.
According to the Flood Forecasting Division of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the Chenab is currently flowing at medium flood level, while the Ravi is at low flood level. Water levels in both rivers, however, are expected to rise to medium-to-high levels over the next 24 hours.
The Chenab at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad is expected to remain at medium-to-high flood levels. Similar conditions are forecast for the Ravi at Balloki in Kasur and Sidhnai in Khanewal.
“River Chenab at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge is at the medium flood level. River Indus at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa, River Kabul at Nowshera, River Chenab at Marala and Trimmu, and River Ravi at Balloki and Sidhnai are at the low flood level,” the division said.
It added that all major rivers at other gauging stations were flowing within their normal ranges.
With further rain forecast on Sunday, the deputy commissioners of Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal and Khanewal have been placed on high alert and directed to strengthen flood monitoring and preparedness.
The Lahore deputy commissioner and his team visited areas around the Hudiara Drain, including Tiba Khudpur Road and Mohlanwal, to inspect drainage operations and monitor the flow of rainwater following heavy monsoon showers across the city.
The Lahore commissioner also visited Nankana Sahib to assess the flood situation and review emergency arrangements.
He inspected river erosion near Halla Waraich and was briefed on evacuation, rescue and relief measures. He directed the district administration to clear silt and other obstructions from choking points along Nullah Dek.
Khanewal Deputy Commissioner Hena Arshad visited the Sidhnai headworks, Mai Safura Bund breaching section, Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah Bund to inspect flood-protection works and review the district’s preparedness. - The Dawn/ANN
