Most major rivers in Punjab remain within normal ranges, but authorities have warned of urban flooding in seven cities as the latest monsoon spell continues to affect the province.
According to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority, water levels in the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej rivers remain normal. The hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan are also reported to be stable.
Low-level flooding, however, continues at Kalabagh and Chashma on the Indus River, while several streams in Narowal district are carrying elevated flows.
PDMA Punjab maintains official river gauges, rainfall reports and daily situation reports to track changing conditions across the province.
Indus River Flows at Kalabagh and Chashma
The authority recorded a flow of 340,000 cusecs at Kalabagh and 290,000 cusecs at Chashma, placing both locations in low-level flood.
A cusec represents one cubic foot of water passing a point per second. River classifications depend on location-specific thresholds, which means a large numerical flow does not automatically indicate a severe flood.
The current assessment therefore matters more than the figure alone: both locations are reported at the low-flood stage rather than a medium, high or very high level.
Streams Under Monitoring in Narowal
Low flooding has also been reported in:
- Nallah Deg at Kangra
- Nallah Basantar
- Bain stream in Shakargarh
The flow at Nallah Deg Kangra reached 13,000 cusecs, according to the supplied PDMA update.
Communities living near streams and drainage channels may face rapidly changing conditions even when the province’s major rivers remain normal. Localised heavy rain can raise water levels faster in smaller waterways.
Seven Cities Face Urban-Flooding Risk
PDMA Director General Saif Anwar Jappa warned that the following cities remain vulnerable to urban flooding:
- Lahore
- Rawalpindi
- Gujranwala
- Gujrat
- Sialkot
- Faisalabad
- Multan
Urban flooding occurs when intense rainfall overwhelms drainage systems, leaving roads, underpasses and low-lying neighbourhoods waterlogged. It can develop without a nearby river overflowing.
The warning is particularly relevant for commuters, residents of basement properties and people living near storm drains or low-lying roads.
Landslide Warning for Hilly Areas
Murree, Galliyat and other hilly locations may face landslides if rainfall continues.
Saturated soil can weaken slopes and cause rocks, mud or debris to fall onto roads. Travellers should avoid unnecessary journeys and follow road closures or instructions issued by local authorities.
PDMA’s district disaster-response plans cover vulnerable districts, including Lahore, Multan, Murree, Narowal, Rawalpindi and Sialkot.
Relief Camps Established
The Punjab government has established relief camps in vulnerable and affected areas.
According to the authority, the camps will provide shelter, food, medical support and other essential assistance where required.
Residents living in riverbeds, close to riverbanks or beside overflowing streams have been advised to move to safer places rather than waiting for water levels to rise further.
Safety Advice for Residents
People should avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall and stay away from rivers, canals, streams and flooded roads.
Children must not be allowed to swim or bathe in floodwater. Moving water can be deeper and faster than it appears, while stagnant floodwater may contain sewage, sharp objects or exposed electrical hazards.
Motorists should not attempt to cross submerged roads or underpasses when the depth is unclear. Residents should also keep mobile phones charged, protect identity documents and medicines, and follow official evacuation instructions.
For disaster-related assistance, PDMA Punjab lists 1129 as its emergency helpline.
What Happens Next
Forecast rainfall in upper catchment areas may increase flows in the eastern rivers and adjoining streams.
Authorities will continue monitoring rainfall, drainage systems, river gauges and vulnerable settlements. Conditions can change quickly, particularly after intense rain upstream.
In other news read more about: PMD Forecasts Rain in Punjab as NDMA Issues Flood Alert
The present situation does not indicate severe flooding across all major Punjab rivers. However, the combination of low-level flooding, rising streams, urban drainage pressure and landslide risk means residents in identified areas should remain alert and follow official advisories.
