Pakistan Floods Update: NDMA Issues 48-Hour Alert for Punjab

Lahore, August 28, 2025 — The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an urgent 48-hour flood alert for key regions of Punjab as heavy monsoon rains and rising river levels threaten widespread flooding across the province.

According to NDMA’s statement released Tuesday night, rivers including the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej are at “very high to exceptionally high” flood risk. Urban centers such as Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, and Rawalpindi, along with several low-lying rural districts, are on high alert as authorities rush to implement emergency evacuation and relief measures.

“We are entering a critical 48-hour period,” said an NDMA spokesperson. “Heavy rainfall combined with upstream water inflows could trigger severe flooding. Public cooperation is essential.”

Mass Evacuations Underway

More than 150,000 people have already been evacuated from vulnerable districts including Bahawalnagar, Kasur, Pakpattan, Okara, and Vehari. Rescue operations are being led by Rescue 1122, Pakistan Army units, and local administrations.

Local governments have established relief camps stocked with food, clean water, and medical supplies. Temporary shelters are being set up in schools, mosques, and community halls, while boats and emergency vehicles are actively transporting residents out of danger zones.

Urban Flooding and Cross-Border Inflows Raise Alarm

The Ravi River near Lahore has surpassed safe levels, while the Chenab and Sutlej are experiencing sharp water level increases due to dam water releases from India, according to officials. This sudden cross-border inflow has added pressure on Pakistan’s already strained flood management systems.

“India’s discharge of excess water into the Ravi and Sutlej rivers without bilateral coordination is a contributing factor in worsening the flood scenario,” said a senior NDMA official.

Emergency Measures Intensify

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has activated emergency control rooms in all high-risk districts. Citizens are receiving SMS alerts and radio advisories urging them to relocate to safer areas. Volunteers are also conducting door-to-door announcements in rural zones.

Military personnel are reinforcing embankments and setting up evacuation routes. Several roads near flood-prone areas have been closed or rerouted. Hospitals have been instructed to remain on standby.

Climate Change Compounding the Crisis

Experts say the current flood threat is not just a seasonal phenomenon but reflects broader environmental shifts.

“The combination of heavier-than-usual monsoon rains, rapid glacial melt from the north, and unpredictable cross-border river flows is part of a climate crisis that Pakistan must urgently address,” said environmental scientist Dr. Fahad Rizvi.

Cultural Sites and Agriculture at Risk

The flooding has also impacted historical and religious landmarks, including water damage reported at Kartarpur Sahib and the shrine of Guru Nanak. Thousands of acres of farmland in Punjab’s agricultural belt have been submerged, risking food supply disruptions and economic losses.

Public Urged to Remain Vigilant

Authorities continue to stress the importance of public compliance with evacuation advisories. The NDMA has warned that rainfall will likely continue through the weekend, making the next 48 hours crucial for safety.

“We are doing all we can, but the community must remain vigilant. Stay informed. Stay indoors. Move to higher ground if you’re near riverbanks,” said an NDMA spokesperson.