LAHORE: Authorities issued fresh flood warnings in Lahore on Tuesday as the River Ravi swelled to dangerous levels, putting low-lying areas including Shahdara and nearby housing societies such as Alim Khan Housing Society and Park View Society on alert.
Deputy Commissioner Lahore announced a “high risk danger” warning, urging residents to stay cautious and prepare for possible evacuation if conditions worsen. No official evacuation has been ordered yet, but local loudspeaker announcements in several neighborhoods sparked fear among citizens.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the Ravi was in medium flood at Jassar with inflows of around 111,000 cusecs, while Shahdara recorded water flow crossing 46,000 cusecs. Officials warned that both the Ravi and Sutlej rivers could reach high flood levels in coming days.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that nearly 150,000 people have already been evacuated across Punjab, mainly from Bahawalnagar, Kasur, Okara, and districts along the Ravi and Sutlej. Emergency equipment, boats, and medical supplies have been deployed, while Rescue 1122 teams remain on standby.
The rising flood risk comes after heavy monsoon rains and India’s release of water from upstream dams. NDMA noted that the Thein Dam on the Ravi has reached 86% capacity, making further discharges highly likely. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department forecast more monsoon showers this week, raising fears of worsening flood conditions.
Historically, Shahdara has faced the brunt whenever the Ravi rises, but this time, the alarm has extended into Lahore’s urban housing societies highlighting how the flood threat is seeping deeper into the city.
Officials strongly advised citizens to stay away from riverbanks, remain attentive to official alerts from PDMA and NDMA, and keep themselves prepared in case evacuation orders are announced.
