Punjab on High Alert as River Chenab and Tributaries Threaten Widespread Flooding
Punjab faces a renewed flood threat as the River Chenab swells dangerously at Head Marala following two days of heavy rainfall. With water levels rising rapidly, authorities have declared a high flood in Chenab and an exceptional flood in Nala Dek near Kingra, resulting in significant damage to crops, roads, and property in the region.
The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for upper Punjab and the Jammu hills, warning of extremely heavy rains over the coming days. Officials are particularly concerned about the potential for exceptionally high flood levels in the Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala and the Indus at Sukkur within the next 24 hours. However, the greatest immediate risk is posed by the Chenab and its tributaries, which are expected to reach very high flood levels soon.
In Sialkot Cantonment, rainfall measured 168 millimeters in some areas, turning streets into rivers and prompting road closures. Nala Dek burst its banks at Kingra, flooding local settlements, while the Palkhu drain also overflowed, forcing authorities to block traffic at key locations.
The provincial administration has responded by deploying officials to affected areas. Irrigation Minister Muhammad Kazim Pirzada led an emergency briefing at Cadet College in Pasrur, attended by top district and provincial officials. Pirzada announced an immediate campaign to clear water routes and remove illegal encroachments that have blocked waterways, emphasizing that such structures would no longer be tolerated. Authorities also indicated they are considering long-term engineering studies to prevent future flooding.
Commissioner Gujranwala Naveed Haider Sherazi urged residents to heed official warnings, noting that disregarding safety advice could put lives at risk. Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that relief camps equipped with food and medicine have been established, and mentioned plans for new legislation to better manage future disasters.
Deputy Commissioner Sialkot Saba Asghar stated that six roads had already been damaged by the rising Dek, with three having been reopened after intensive repair work and three remaining closed. Five relief camps in Pasrur Tehsil are currently sheltering dozens of displaced families. Authorities are especially concerned about the Jammu Tawi river, which is also rising and could threaten 16 additional villages.
Rescue 1122 teams have started evacuating people and livestock from high-risk zones. Officials estimate over 5,000 residents and around 1,450 animals may need to be relocated should conditions worsen, with trucks loaded with fodder and tents standing by for deployment.
The Met Office has extended its red alert to several major districts including Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Jhelum, Gujrat, and Lahore, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from inundated areas.
As floodwaters continue to surge at Head Marala, engineers are continuously monitoring the river’s flow. With more rain expected upstream, communities along the Chenab are bracing for the possibility of further flooding in the next 48 hours. Many villagers are preparing to evacuate and safeguard their livestock, anxiously hoping the river will not unleash further destruction.
