Flood situation persists in Punjab rivers, PDMA warns citizens to stay away

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has reported that flooding in the rivers across the province continues, with dangerously high water levels recorded at multiple headworks and barrages.

According to the latest PDMA data, the River Chenab is witnessing heavy flows, with 117,000 cusecs at Marala Headworks, 248,000 cusecs at Khanki, and as high as 385,000 cusecs downstream at Qadirabad Headworks. At Chiniot Bridge, water flow has surged to 554,000 cusecs.

The River Ravi is also experiencing elevated levels, with 80,000 cusecs downstream, 110,000 cusecs at Ravi Siphon, 108,000 cusecs at Shahdara, 138,000 cusecs at Balloki Headworks, and 130,000 cusecs at Sidhnai Headworks.

Meanwhile, flows in the River Sutlej have climbed to alarming levels — 319,000 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala, 139,000 cusecs at Sulemanki, and 102,000 cusecs at Islam Headworks. The Panjnad Headworks has also recorded a water flow of 224,000 cusecs.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has urged citizens to take precautionary measures and strictly avoid visiting riversides for recreational purposes. He also advised the public to refrain from fishing and other activities near rivers during the current high-flood situation.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with alerts issued to local administrations in vulnerable areas.