Lahore, August 28, 2025 — In Pakistan’s Punjab province, severe flooding has claimed at least 12 lives and dislocated hundreds of thousands, as the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers swell to record levels. Mass evacuations were ordered as the crisis caused major structural integrity concerns over key irrigation barrages – Arab News +3 Dawn +3 The Economic Times.
Torrential Rains and Cross-Border Water Releases
The disaster is attributable primarily to intense monsoon rains and India’s release of excess water from dams. Authorities opened floodgates at Thein, Bhakra and Ranjit Sagar dams, leading to surges in river flows downstream into Pakistan and prompting Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to issue alerts of “exceptionally high” flooding particularly on Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej rivers (Anadolu Ajansi; Reuters +8; AP News +8 and The Indian Express).
At Risk: Barrage at Risk of Collapse
The Qadirabad Barrage on the Chenab River has reached critical strain, as water discharge exceeds its capacity by more than 100,000 cubic seconds per second. To relieve pressure, authorities conducted a controlled blast to divert floodwaters away from Chiniot and Hafizabad districts – endangering over 2.8 million residents – by detonating an embankment breach Wednesday evening, diluting floodwaters into nearby areas. As a result of this breach, authorities conducted controlled explosions on embankments which breached and diverted floodwaters into nearby districts instead.nettoyage Wikipedia +4ouverture Arab News +4 Dawn +4 Geo.tv =1.
Humanitarian Impact Pakistan’s floods have claimed at least 12 lives this week, surpassing 800 since late June. Over 1.2 million people have been impacted, with 250,000 displaced from Punjab alone. Rescue operations are underway with over 700 relief and 265 medical camps established for relief efforts and rescue operations underway – according to The Columbian, Arab News, ABC News, AP News and The Columbian newspaper outlets.
Narowal District in Pakistan was struck hard by flood waters this spring and one significant Sikh pilgrimage site, Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara has been partially submerged highlighting widespread devastation. WASHINGTON: On Tuesday (May 3) dawn, DawnBot +6 at Wikipedia + RiverBender announced they have provided over 6,009 square metres to flood victims as relief supplies, totalling 8,257 tonnes (Dark, Wikipedia+6 RiverBender.com, +6)
Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered a large-scale rescue operation and deployed military units across eight districts: Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal Okara Hafizabad and Sargodha. Evacuations have begun in areas at high risk while emergency services provide food, shelter and medical aid for evacuees.
Arab News +0.1
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India and Pakistan have come into dispute over India’s release of water from dams, leading to flooding warnings being sent across. Pakistan has complained about this lack of formal communication; while also accusing India of failing to follow Indus Waters Treaty protocols. According to Arab News/Reuters sources.
Meteorologists forecast heavy rain for the coming days, heightening floodwater levels. Authorities remain on high alert and are closely watching river levels and potential breach points, while also being prepared for potential further breaches. This crisis highlights the urgent need for enhanced regional cooperation and better infrastructure solutions to lessen climate-induced disasters. Its AP News.
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