Ravi, Chenab flood levels likely to reach medium to high today; nearly 400 sq km of Punjab underwater

Ravi and Chenab Rivers Expected to Reach Medium to High Flood Levels Today, Submerging 400 Sq Km in Punjab

LAHORE: With torrential rains and overflowing drains, nearly 400 square kilometers of Punjab are now underwater. The Ravi and Chenab rivers are set to reach medium to high flood levels in the next 24 hours.

Amid the ongoing flooding, which has already damaged crops, livestock, and infrastructure, several districts have accelerated flood-response measures, including setting up relief camps.

“This situation is alarming, as nearly 400 sq-kms are under water across Sheikhupura, Muridke, Gujranwala, Narowal, Sambrial, and Pasrur divisions,” stated a senior Punjab irrigation department official to Dawn Saturday.

“It feels like an inland sea due to the sheer scale of floodwater,” the official added, speaking anonymously.

Floodwaters swamp large swathes of Punjab

The current scenario is both unprecedented and challenging for the monsoon season, according to the official.

“Ravi’s flow at Shahdara (Lahore) is 22,000 cusecs, while downstream at Balloki, it has surged to 87,000 cusecs. This unexpected rise is due to inflows from drains and intense rainfall,” he explained.

“Typically, the Ravi’s flow decreases as it moves downstream. Instead, it’s increasing, and it could take another three to four days for conditions to normalize without additional rains,” the official noted.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) reports that the Ravi and Chenab rivers are at medium to low flow levels. However, water levels are projected to rise to medium to high in the next day.

Chenab is expected to remain at medium to high flood levels at locations like Marala and Khanki, while Ravi should reach similar levels at Balloki and Sidhnai.

FFD states that Chenab flows at Marala, Khanki, and Chiniot Bridge are at medium flood levels. Indus flows at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa are low, along with the Kabul River at Nowshera. Other rivers are within normal ranges.

With further rain anticipated Sunday, deputy commissioners in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, and Narowal have been put on high-alert to monitor flood risks and coordinate preparedness.

Lahore’s deputy commissioner, with his team, inspected the Hudiara drain’s catchment area, focusing on Tiba Khudpur Road and Mohlanawal’s Hadiara Drain. He urged desilting efforts to alleviate drainage blockages.

In Nankana Sahib, the commissioner reviewed flood management strategies and rescue operations, urging officials to clear drainage bottlenecks, including Nullah Dek.

Khanewal’s deputy commissioner checked flood-control structures like Sidhnai headworks and Fazil Shah Bund while visiting inspection sites like Kund Sargana.

This report was originally published in Dawn on July 26, 2026.

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