The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a fresh warning about the likelihood of more rainfall and a potential release of water into Pakistan’s rivers from India. The development has raised concerns about renewed flooding in already-affected areas across the province.
According to PDMA Director General Irfan Kathia, weather forecasts suggest that parts of Punjab could experience an additional five to ten millimeters of rainfall in the coming days. He cautioned that the rainfall could hamper ongoing relief and rehabilitation operations in flood-hit districts, where authorities have been working to restore normal life.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Kathia said that India could release around 35,000 cusecs of water into the Ravi River, which may increase the water flow in Punjab’s river systems. “Flooding in the catchment areas of major rivers, including Sutlej and Ravi, is likely if this water is released,” he warned.
The PDMA chief added that the situation in the upper regions of the rivers is being closely monitored as rainfall there could further swell the Jhelum River and other smaller drains and streams. “We are trying our best to minimize losses in flood-affected areas and ensure the safety of local communities,” Kathia said.
He confirmed that 11,500 workers from survey teams are currently stationed across flood-affected districts to assess damages and support relief operations. Many flood victims have started returning to their homes, while PDMA teams continue to evaluate the full extent of the destruction.
Over the past few months, flooding in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Jhelum rivers has caused severe damage to infrastructure, crops, and homes across multiple districts of Punjab. The PDMA has been coordinating with local administrations and other government departments to provide food, shelter, and medical aid to affected families.
Authorities have urged residents living near riverbanks and low-lying areas to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official PDMA alerts for safety instructions. “Our priority is to protect lives and support recovery efforts as efficiently as possible,” Kathia emphasized.
The PDMA continues to monitor water levels in major rivers through its control rooms and said it will issue further advisories if conditions worsen due to rainfall or water releases from India.
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