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150,000 Evacuated as Punjab Braces for Heavy Floods
NDMA says nearly 150,000 people evacuated from Punjab’s flood-prone areas as Sutlej, Chenab & Ravi rivers swell. Authorities on high alert amid record monsoon rains.
ND
by News Desk
2025-08-26
150,000 Evacuated as Punjab Braces for Heavy Floods

Nearly 150,000 people have been evacuated from flood-prone regions across Punjab as authorities brace for another wave of heavy rains and river flooding, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Tuesday.

The evacuations come amid a devastating monsoon season that has brought record rainfall, accelerated glacier melt, and severe flooding, underscoring Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change. High flood warnings this week have placed Punjab on maximum alert.

According to NDMA, emergency response teams were deployed and district administrations instructed to ensure the safety of residents. “Nearly 150,000 people have so far been relocated to safer areas from flood-prone regions,” state-run APP reported.

Breakdown of Evacuations

·       Bahawalnagar: 89,868

·       Kasur: 14,140

·       Okara: 2,063

·       Pakpattan: 873

·       Bahawalpur: 361

·       Vehari: 165

In addition, 40,000 people had already shifted to safer locations soon after the first alerts were issued.

Rivers Under Threat

The Sutlej River has reached alarming levels, with state media reporting water flows at 195,000 cusecs, prompting warnings of “extremely high flood levels.” The Chenab and Ravi rivers were also placed on alert, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasting further rainfall over eastern rivers in the coming days.

Government Response

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered immediate evacuation of riverside and low-lying communities, while the Ministry of Climate Change warned of heavy rains in Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Lahore divisions, carrying risks of both riverine and urban flooding.

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said it had launched “large-scale evacuation operations” in vulnerable districts. “All concerned departments were placed on high alert to safeguard public life and property,” it said.

Meanwhile, in response to a flood alert issued by India, more than 24,000 people were relocated from low-lying areas along the Indus, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers since Saturday, according to Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmad.

Call for Vigilance

The NDMA has directed all provincial institutions and emergency services to maintain vigilance and urged citizens to:

·       Avoid flood-prone areas,

·       Minimize unnecessary travel,

·       Follow safety advisories issued through alerts.

With water levels continuing to rise and further rains expected, authorities warn that the coming days will be critical in managing the unfolding disaster.

 
Tagged:

NDMA

ClimateChange

Monsoon2025

PunjabFloods
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