Severe flooding hits Shahdara as Ravi overflows, forecasts warn of more rain

A high-level flood was reported at Shahdara after water flow in the Ravi River surged to over 145,160 cusecs. Commissioner Lahore warned that the discharge could rise further, reaching up to 160,000 cusecs today. The river has a maximum capacity of up to 200,000 cusecs.

He added that while the flood situation in the Ravi remains under control, all departments, including the district administration, are on high alert. 

At the Jasar point on the Ravi, the water pressure has begun to ease slightly, with the flow dropping to 152,000 cusecs.

Meanwhile, the Chenab River is also witnessing fluctuations. At Head Khanki, the discharge has fallen from 1.5 million cusecs to 905,000 cusecs, while at Head Qadirabad, the flow has swelled to 1,045,601 cusecs, maintaining an unusual flood situation.

The Sutlej River is also under strain. At Ganda Singh Wala, the water flow has crossed 261,000 cusecs, while Head Marala is witnessing 240,000 cusecs of high-level flooding. Medium-level floods are being reported at Balloki Headworks on the Ravi and Sulaimanki on the Sutlej.

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The floods have already caused devastation in Punjab, leaving seven people dead and three missing in the Gujranwala division.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday warned that strong monsoon winds from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea entered the upper and central regions of the country, bringing the risk of further heavy rainfall.

According to an NDMA statement, the monsoon system is likely to persist until Friday, producing moderate to heavy rains in the Ravi watershed.

Narowal, Shahdara, and the northern outskirts of Lahore are expected to be particularly vulnerable to severe flooding. The NDMA further warned that these rains may heighten the risk of urban flooding and landslides.