Monsoon Rains Keep Punjab on Edge as Chenab, Ravi Rivers Remain at Critical Levels
Punjab — As the monsoon season shows no signs of easing, the Chenab and Ravi rivers continue to swell, keeping authorities on high alert and rescue operations in full swing.
Rivers at Critical Levels
Latest measurements as of September 8, 2025, indicate alarming water flows. The Chenab River is surging at multiple points: Head Marala recorded 80,000 cusecs, Head Khanki 115,000 cusecs, Qadirabad 120,000 cusecs, Chiniot 100,000 cusecs, and Head Trimmu has soared to a staggering 502,000 cusecs. Meanwhile, the Ravi River, though lower in comparison, still shows concerning levels: 33,000 cusecs at Jassar, 66,000 at Shahdara, 112,000 at Head Balloki, and peaking at 135,000 cusecs at Head Sidhnai.
Experts warn that these readings reflect sustained high flood levels, especially at Head Trimmu and Head Sidhnai, where water flows have exceeded half a million cusecs in some areas.
Widespread Impact and Relief Efforts
The Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reports that over 2 million people have been affected, with more than 4,000 villages inundated. Hundreds of thousands have been evacuated, and 423 relief camps have been set up across the province. Tragically, the death toll has now surpassed 50, and crops over 1.75 lakh hectares have been destroyed.
Districts such as Gujrat, Sialkot, and Multan are among the hardest hit, with urban flooding and breaches along riverbanks displacing thousands. Authorities say controlled water releases from Indian dams have worsened the situation in some areas.
Earlier Assessments
A recent damage assessment covering Punjab’s three major rivers — Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab — revealed the full scale of the disaster. Over 4,300 villages were affected, impacting nearly 4.2 million residents. At least 60 fatalities have been reported, mostly from drowning incidents.
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed stated that around 2.1 million people have been moved to safer locations. He also confirmed that 412 relief camps and 492 medical camps are now operational to provide assistance to those affected.
The monsoon rains are expected to continue over the coming days, keeping authorities and residents on high alert as rescue and relief operations continue across the flood-hit regions.
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