LAHORE: While a vast area of Punjab, covering nearly 400 square kilometres, has come under water following ongoing torrential rains and the overflow of several drains carrying water far beyond their designed capacity, the Chenab and Ravi rivers are expected to reach medium to high flood levels over the next 24 hours.

The warning at a time when the flooding has already caused widespread damage to standing crops, livestock and infrastructure prompted district administrations in several areas to expedite flood-response measures, including the establishment of relief camps.

“The situation is very alarming this time, as a vast area of around 400sq-kms has come under water in Sheikhupura, Muridke, Gujranwala, Narowal, Sambrial and Pasrur, which fall within the Lahore and Gujranwala divisions,” a senior official of the Punjab irrigation department told Dawn on Saturday.

“The current situation resembles an inland sea because of the vast expanse of floodwater,” the official added, requesting anonymity.

Floodwaters swamp large swathes of Punjab

The situation is both unprecedented and highly challenging during the ongoing monsoon season, according to the official.

“Let me tell you that the flow in the Ravi at Shahdara (Lahore) is 22,000 cusecs, whereas at Balloki (downstream) it has surged to 87,000 cusecs. The question is: where did the additional 65,000 cusecs come from? It is water flowing into the river through drains and rainfall,” he explained.

“Ordinarily, the flow in the Ravi should decrease by the time it reaches Balloki. Instead, it has increased,” the official said, adding that it could take another three to four days for the situation to return to normal, provided there is no further rainfall.

According to the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the Chenab and Ravi rivers are currently flowing at medium and low flood levels, respectively. However, water levels in both rivers are expected to rise to medium to high flood levels over the next 24 hours.

The Chenab at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad is expected to remain at medium to high flood levels, while the Ravi is also likely to reach similar levels at Balloki (Kasur) and Sidhnai (Khanewal).

“River Chenab at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge is at the medium flood level. River Indus at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa, River Kabul at Nowshera, River Chenab at Marala and Trimmu, and River Ravi at Balloki and Sidhnai are at the low flood level. All major rivers at other gauging stations are flowing within their normal ranges,” the FFD report states.

As more showers are expected on Sunday, the deputy commissioners of Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Khanewal and others have been put on high-alert in terms of flood monitoring and preparedness arrangements.

The Lahore DC and his team rushed to the affected areas in the catchment area of Hudiara drain. They visited Tiba Khudpur Road and the Hadyara Drain in Mohlanwal to review drainage operations and monitor the flow of rainwater following heavy monsoon showers across the city.

The Lahore commissioner also visited Nankana Sahib to review the flood situation and emergency response arrangements. He visited Halla Waraich and inspected the river erosion occurring beyond the village. During the visit, he was briefed about evacuation, rescue, and relief arrangements and measures. He directed the district administration to desilt the choking points of Nullah Dek.

Khanewal DC Hena Arshad visited Sidhnai headworks, the Mai Safura Bund Breaching Section, Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah Bund to inspect flood protection arrangements and review preparedness measures.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2026