Key Points
- 2,300 villages submerged by high floods in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers
- 6,373 people are currently sheltering in relief camps
- More than 830 deaths nationwide since the start of monsoon season
ISLAMABAD: The devastating floods triggered by three major rivers in Pakistan’s Punjab province have affected over 1.5 million people, leaving 30 dead and thousands displaced.
According to the provincial disaster management authority (PDMA), high floods in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers submerged over 2,300 villages across the province.
Record monsoon rains and water releases from upstream India have triggered severe flooding across large areas of Pakistan’s most populous province.
The deluge has disrupted rescue and relief efforts and forced widespread evacuations. Officials warn that the flood risk is expected to worsen in the coming days, with more heavy rain forecast for northeastern Punjab and water levels rising at key headworks.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority’s most recent monsoon toll, more than 830 people have died across Pakistan since June 26.
Relief efforts in full swing
The ongoing flood emergency has prompted an extensive and coordinated response across Punjab. According to Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, over 481,000 people have been relocated to safer areas, while 511 relief camps and 351 medical camps are operating around the clock to provide essential services. Currently, 6,373 flood victims are taking shelter in these camps.
وزیراعظم پاکستان کی ہدایت پر این ڈی ایم اے کی سیلاب زدہ علاقوں میں ریلیف و ریسکیو آپریشن کیلئے معاونت جاری۔ صوبائی ڈیزاسٹر مینجمنٹ اتھارٹی پنجاب کی درخواست پر این ڈی ایم اے نے سیلاب سے متاثرہ علاقوں سیالکوٹ 500 اور نارووال کے لیے 500 راشن بیگز مہیا کر دئیے۔ pic.twitter.com/7vk8j1WXoW
— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) August 30, 2025
In a massive rescue operation, 808 boats have been deployed, successfully evacuating 68,477 individuals within just 36 hours.
The relief efforts involve close collaboration among government ministers, lawmakers, district administrations, Rescue 1122, police, civil defense, and other key agencies, working together as a unified front.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday stepped up aid efforts by dispatching 500 ration bags each to the flood-affected districts of Sialkot and Narowal. Each bag contains 46 kilograms of essential supplies, comprising 22 key items, and will be distributed through the respective district administrations to assist impacted communities.
Here is an aerial view of the some of the devastation caused by the super floods in my Narowal District. River Ravi, Nala Dek, Nala Basanter, and Nala Baein have overflowed, submerging vast fields of rice and turning them into pools of water. Thousands of poor farmers have lost… pic.twitter.com/4Un9TFKL6c
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) August 30, 2025
Protecting livestock
Alongside human rescue efforts, authorities have safely relocated more than 405,000 livestock. To support animal welfare, 321 veterinary camps have been set up to offer medical treatment to affected animals.
“Although this is one of the worst floods in our history, Punjab has avoided a far greater tragedy thanks to timely and decisive action,” she emphasised.
Fluctuating river flows
Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) data on Saturday showed exceptionally high flood levels at Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej and at Balloki on the Ravi, with the Chenab at Trimmu projected to rise to similar levels within 24 hours and Panjnad expected to reach very high flood levels on September 3. The Indus at Guddu was also forecast to swell dangerously by September 5.
“Exceptionally high flood level will continue in the river Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala,” the FFD bulletin warned, adding that the Chenab at Trimmu was on track to reach the same threshold within a day.
Pakistan Army rescue operation
The Pakistan Army has stepped up operations in Jhang, Faisalabad, Chiniot, and Toba Tek Singh, using helicopters and boats to evacuate families.
Controlled breaches have been created to divert water downstream, while relief camps, medical aid and drainage work continue. Of 15,800 people trapped in Faisalabad’s villages, more than 14,000 have been rescued.
PIA announces suspension of flights at Sialkot airport
The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced that the flight operation was temporarily suspended at the Sialkot International Airport due to flooding in the area.
A spokesperson said that, in view of the situation, all operations from Sialkot have been shifted to Lahore Airport. Flights originally scheduled from Sialkot will now operate from Lahore, the spokesperson added. Passengers have been advised to contact the airline’s call center for updated flight information and schedules.
