LAHORE, Aug 26 (Alliance News): Punjab is preparing for mass evacuations after flood alerts were issued in the Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej rivers, while thousands displaced by glacial and flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan earlier this month remain without relief assistance.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed said that over 24,000 people have already been shifted to safer locations since Saturday from the lower reaches of the Indus, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers. Evacuations were carried out in Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Vehari and Narowal following India’s flood warning.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned of “high to very high” flooding in major rivers in the next 48 hours, alongside possible urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Lahore and Gujranwala divisions.
At Harike, high-level flooding was recorded in the Sutlej River, while Ganda Singh Wala is facing severe inundation with discharge projected to reach between 190,000 and 220,000 cusecs. The Ravi at Jassar could rise to 125,000 cusecs, and the Chenab at Marala may surge beyond 200,000 cusecs, according to the National Emergency Operation Center.
Hydrological data shows the Thien Dam nearing capacity with 64,000 cusecs already discharged into the Ravi. Officials warn that if rains persist and spillways are further opened, flooding could intensify by August 27.
Tarbela Dam is at full capacity, Mangla at 76%, while Indian dams — Bhakra (80%), Pong (87%) and Thein (85%) — are also filling up rapidly, heightening cross-border flood risks.
Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan continues to reel from devastating glacial lake outburst floods. In Ghizer district, a 5-km stretch of the Gilgit-Shandur road has been submerged, isolating several tehsils.
Locals reported the destruction of at least 300 houses in Haqis, Thangi and Roshan villages, where residents lack electricity, clean water, housing and healthcare.
Residents of Nagar’s Hispar Valley remain stranded for almost a month due to road washouts, while the Karakoram Highway near Hassanabad has been closed for three weeks. Water shortages plague areas like Danyor and Sultanabad, forcing families to purchase costly tanker supplies.
The GB Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) said machinery has been deployed on Shandur Road, but locals complain that government relief has yet to reach them.
