Pakistan on flood alert as Ravi, Chenab near danger mark; 7 dead

Large parts of Pakistan’s Punjab province have been submerged after heavy monsoon rains triggered flooding and drainage overflows, Dawn reported.At least seven people, including two children, have been killed and 20 others injured in rain-related incidents across the Punjab province in the past 24 hours, according to the provincial disaster management authority (PDMA). Authorities have warned that water levels in the Ravi and Chenab rivers are expected to rise to medium to high flood levels soon.Citing a senior official from Punjab’s irrigation department, Dawn reported that nearly 400 square kilometres across Lahore and Gujranwala divisions have been affected, including Sheikhupura, Muridke, Gujranwala, Narowal, Sambrial and Pasrur.The official described the situation as “unprecedented and highly challenging”, citing the rapid rise in river flows.

Explaining the rapid rise in water levels, the official said, “Let me tell you that the flow in the Ravi at Shahdara (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.”According to Dawn, Pakistan’s flood forecasting division under the Pakistan meteorological department said the Chenab was currently flowing at a medium flood level, while the Ravi remained at a low flood level. However, it warned that both rivers are expected to witness a further rise and could reach medium to high flood levels within the next 24 hours.With additional rainfall forecast on Sunday, district administrations have stepped up preparedness measures. Dawn reported that deputy commissioners in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Khanewal and several other districts have been placed on high alert to monitor river flows, drainage systems and flood response operations.The latest flooding comes as Pakistan continues to grapple with increasingly severe monsoon seasons. The country witnessed catastrophic floods in 2022, when more than 1,700 people were killed, millions displaced and economic losses estimated at around $40 billion.According to ANI, Pakistan also endured another devastating flood season in 2025, when relentless monsoon rains, flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods claimed more than 800 lives and affected over 1.2 million people, with estimated losses reaching $50 billion.