The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of “extremely high” flood levels as moderate rains over upper catchments intensify to heavy from Aug 30 to Sept 2. An “exceptionally high” flood persists in the Sutlej; the Ravi at Shahdara is projected to fall from “exceptionally high” to “high” within 24 hours. The Chenab is expected to reach “exceptionally high” levels next, while the Indus is forecast to attain very high flood at Guddu and Sukkur on Sept 4 and 5, heightening the risk of urban flooding across Punjab’s major cities.
Sindh has shifted to emergency footing. Irrigation and PDMA officials briefed Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah that 700,000–800,000 cusecs could reach Guddu Barrage between Sept 3–4. He ordered round-the-clock vigilance, pre-positioned relief, and the deployment of over 30,000 Rescue 1122 personnel and boats across vulnerable northern districts including Sukkur, Ghotki, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Naushahro Feroze, Dadu, and Shaheed Benazirabad.
NDMA has issued a flood alert for the Ravi from Aug 30 to Sept 3, citing heavy rainfall in upper catchments and increased discharge from Thein Dam. At Balloki, flows have risen to 146,995 cusecs and are increasing, with downstream pressure expected toward Sidhnai. In Lahore, waters from the Ravi have inundated low-lying areas; Rescue 1122 continues evacuations.
Punjab’s field response is expanding: 11 villages in Faisalabad have been evacuated and six relief camps established; authorities have breached the Riwaz bridge to shield Jhang and Chiniot from an incoming surge; and repairs are underway on flood-damaged road segments in Narowal. PDMA reports a 9,000-cusec fall at Shahdara, offering limited relief amid fresh rain forecasts.
National leadership has pledged full support. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced resource mobilisation for flood-affected communities, while COAS Gen Asim Munir reviewed operations in Sialkot, Shakargarh, Narowal, and Kartarpur, assuring restoration of affected religious sites. PDMA confirms at least 20 fatalities and 1.46 million people impacted as Punjab faces its worst flooding in decades. Authorities urge citizens to heed advisories and prepare for further heavy downpours.
