NDMA issues high-flood alert for Ravi as India releases water

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday issued a high-flood warning for the Ravi River after India released a fresh surge of water from its Thein Dam, raising concerns of severe flooding across Punjab.

Pakistan on Alert Amid Rising River Levels

The alert comes during one of the most devastating monsoon seasons in recent years, marked by record-breaking rainfall, glacier melt, and widespread flooding that has once again underscored Pakistan’s extreme vulnerability to climate change.

In a statement released at 5:40 pm, the NDMA warned:
“Heavy rainfall is expected in the upper regions of Ravi over the next 48 hours. The Indian dam Thein is 97 per cent full, and its spillways may be opened at any time. Due to potential discharge, a high-level flood is expected in the Ravi River. High-level flow is also expected in Pir Panjal, Bain, Basantar, and Deek.”

The authority cautioned citizens to stay away from rivers, drains, and low-lying areas, and to avoid unnecessary travel. Emergency services and related agencies have been instructed to remain on maximum alert.

PDMA Confirms Release of Water from Thein Dam

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that India had opened all spillway gates of the Thein Dam on the Ravi River, sending 210,000 cusecs of water into Pakistan from Kot Ninan.

According to the statement:

• Within 24 hours, the water flow at Kot Ninan is expected to increase further.
• In the next 48 hours, a very high flood level will pass through Jasar, Shahdara, and Head Baloki.
• Currently, Jasar is recording a high flood with 142,000 cusecs, while Shahdara is experiencing a low-level flood with 56,000 cusecs.

District administrations in Lahore and other adjacent areas have been put on high alert, and emergency evacuation orders have been issued for citizens residing in the Ravi basin.

Rising Water Levels in Sutlej River

In addition to the Ravi, floodwaters are also swelling the Sutlej River. An update from Kasur Division’s Signaller Ghulam Mustafa at 8 pm reported a “very high flood” in the Sutlej, with water flow reaching 208,973 cusecs and still rising.

The PDMA has launched large-scale evacuation operations in vulnerable areas, deploying emergency response teams and directing all departments to safeguard public lives and property.

Mass Evacuations Underway

According to state-run APP, nearly 150,000 people have already been relocated to safer areas in anticipation of worsening floods, following early warnings issued by the NDMA.

Breakdown of evacuations so far:

• Bahawalnagar: 89,868 people
• Kasur: 14,140
• Okara: 2,063
• Pakpattan: 873
• Bahawalpur: 361
• Vehari: 165

The report added that approximately 40,000 people moved voluntarily to higher ground immediately after the initial alerts.

Government and Climate Warnings

A day earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered urgent evacuations of communities living near rivers and in low-lying areas. The Ministry of Climate Change has also forecast heavy rains in Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Lahore divisions, warning of both riverine and urban flooding.

On Monday, Punjab PDMA had already reported a “high flood level” in the Sutlej, instructing district administrations to maintain the highest level of preparedness. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) also predicted a significant increase in rainfall intensity over the eastern rivers, raising the risk of major flooding in the Chenab and Ravi as well.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmad confirmed that since Saturday, more than 24,000 residents had been moved from low-lying areas along the Indus, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers after a flood alert issued by India.

A Growing Climate Crisis

The repeated flood emergencies highlight the ongoing challenges Pakistan faces due to climate change-driven weather extremes. Last year’s monsoon flooding displaced millions, and authorities warn that unless resilience and cross-border water management improve, the country will continue to face catastrophic losses during every heavy rainfall season.