Punjab on High Alert as India Opens Salal Dam, Fueling Flood Fears

Heavy monsoon rains have resulted in catastrophic flooding in Punjab, with over 2,300 villages submerged, destroying crops on millions of acres and displacing more than 1.5 million people. The destruction stretches from Sialkot to Lahore, Kasur to Bahawalnagar, and Gujrat to Jhang, with at least 33 lives lost and over 600,000 people evacuated. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has cautioned that fresh downpours from Monday to Wednesday may worsen the already critical flood situation across northeastern, central, and southern Punjab. Authorities have warned residents in low-lying zones to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay away from flood-prone regions.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 2,300 villages have been submerged, with crops on millions of acres destroyed and more than 1.5 million people displaced.
• At least 33 lives have been lost, and over 600,000 people have been evacuated.
• The NDMA has cautioned that fresh downpours from Monday to Wednesday may worsen the critical flood situation across northeastern, central, and southern Punjab.
• Authorities have warned residents in low-lying zones to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay away from flood-prone regions.
• Relief camps are providing shelter and medical aid, with food distribution underway in six flood-hit districts.
• The Army, Rescue-1122, and Punjab Police have launched the province's largest-ever rescue and relief drive, evacuating over 90,700 people and shifting 82,200 livestock.
• Female officers have played a key role in assisting women, children, and elderly victims.
• Wildlife Rangers have rescued eight deer from flood-hit areas, including a pair swept across the border in Sialkot.
• The NDMA has warned of potential floods in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the next 12-24 hours due to heavy rainfall.

Statistics:

• Over 2,300 villages have been affected.
• 1.516 million people have been impacted.
• 481,000 people have been rescued.
• 511 relief camps, 351 medical camps, and 321 veterinary units have been established.
• Over 405,000 animals have been moved to safety.
• River flows remain dangerously high, with the Chenab carrying 111,000 cusecs at Marala, and 170,000 cusecs at Khanki.
• The Ravi has swelled to 78,000 cusecs at Jassar, 138,000 cusecs at Shahdara, and 199,000 cusecs at Balloki.
• The Sutlej has swelled to 303,000 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala and 138,000 cusecs at Suleimanki.
• Reservoirs are nearing capacity, with Mangla Dam at 80 percent full, Tarbela at 100 percent, and India's Pong Dam at 94 percent.

Sources:

• Pakistan Today
• Dawn
• The Express Tribune
• The News International
• Geo News