Flood Risk Along Chenab and Connected Waterways
12 August 2025 — Lahore:
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an official alert over the possibility of flooding in the Chenab River and its connected streams and canals. The warning follows rising water levels, fueled by recent heavy rains in catchment areas, and forecasts of continued inflows from upstream.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, there is a medium to high flood risk at three critical points along the Chenab: Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad. These locations are considered vulnerable due to their role in controlling water flow downstream. Authorities have placed surrounding areas on high alert, warning that even moderate changes in water inflow could trigger significant flooding.
Districts on Standby for Emergency Response
The PDMA has directed deputy commissioners in over 15 districts — including Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Multan divisions — to remain on standby for any emergency situation. Local administrations have been instructed to prepare evacuation plans, secure critical infrastructure, and ensure that relief and rescue teams are ready for rapid deployment.
Rescue boats, emergency medical supplies, and temporary shelter facilities are being pre-positioned in flood-prone localities. Officials say they are closely monitoring water levels at barrages and headworks, with hourly updates being shared with relevant agencies.
Public Safety Advisory
The PDMA has urged the public to exercise extreme caution. Residents are advised not to swim or bathe in rivers, streams, canals, or ponds during this period. Such activities pose a high risk due to unpredictable water surges and strong undercurrents.
Citizens are also being warned to avoid unnecessary travel in areas near waterways. The PDMA stressed that people must follow instructions from local authorities and stay informed through official communication channels.
Coordination Across Departments
In addition to local administrations, the PDMA has issued alerts to multiple provincial departments, including Local Government, Agriculture, Irrigation, Health, Forests, Livestock, and Transport. This inter-departmental coordination is aimed at ensuring a comprehensive and rapid response if floodwaters rise.
-
Agriculture Department: Monitoring potential crop damage and advising farmers on precautionary measures.
-
Irrigation Department: Regulating canal flows and managing barrages to reduce downstream flood risk.
-
Health Department: Preparing mobile medical units and stockpiling emergency medicines.
-
Livestock Department: Arranging safe shelter and fodder for animals in vulnerable areas.
Officials emphasize that these preparations are part of a broader disaster management strategy to minimize both human and economic losses.
Seasonal Flood Context in Punjab
Flooding along the Chenab River is a recurring seasonal threat in Punjab, particularly during the South Asian monsoon period from July to September. You can also read the latest PDMA warning for both the Chenab and Jhelum Rivers for a wider regional update. Historical data shows that intense rainfall in northern catchment areas, combined with water releases from upstream dams, can lead to sudden surges.
In past incidents — such as the 2014 Punjab floods — overflow from the Chenab inundated thousands of acres of farmland, displaced over a million people, and caused significant infrastructure damage. The current alert aims to prevent a repeat of such large-scale impacts.
Community Preparedness and Awareness
Disaster management experts stress that community awareness plays a vital role in reducing flood-related casualties. Villages located near embankments have been advised to prepare essential supplies, keep important documents in waterproof containers, and identify safe evacuation routes.
The PDMA’s public awareness campaign is using radio, television, and mobile alerts to ensure that even remote rural communities receive timely updates. Local mosques are also being used to announce warnings in affected areas.
Outlook
Meteorological forecasts suggest that moderate to heavy rains are likely to continue in the Chenab catchment over the coming week. PDMA officials say the situation remains “under close watch” and that further advisories will be issued if water levels rise beyond safe thresholds.
Authorities reiterate that early precaution is key. While the flood alert is not yet an evacuation order, preparations on the ground reflect the seriousness of the potential threat.
