The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a high-level flood warning as the River Sutlej experiences a surge in water levels, prompting mass evacuations across multiple districts to safeguard residents in vulnerable areas.
The PDMA Punjab spokesperson confirmed that the River Sutlej at Ferozepur downstream is facing a high flood situation, with adjoining streams and drains also witnessing rising water levels. Officials have directed all Deputy Commissioners and Commissioners of Lahore, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions to remain on high alert and ensure timely precautionary measures.
DG PDMA Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia, emphasized that in line with directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, all necessary arrangements must be finalized without delay. Citizens have been urged to extend full cooperation with district administrations and rescue agencies, while an emergency helpline (1129) remains active for public assistance.
In response to an advance alert from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), large-scale evacuation operations are underway in flood-prone areas near River Sutlej. According to NDMA figures, approximately 150,000 people have already been relocated to safer areas.
District-wise evacuations include over 14,000 residents shifted from Kasur, more than 2,000 from Okara, nearly 90,000 from Bahawalnagar, 361 from Bahawalpur, 160 from Vehari, and around 900 from Pakpattan. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, while rescue teams remain deployed to manage any emergencies.
The NDMA has also instructed all relevant agencies and emergency services across Punjab to maintain high vigilance as rivers and drains across the province face increasing pressure due to heavy inflows.
