NDMA Issues High-Flood Alert for Ravi as India Releases Water
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high-flood alert for the River Ravi after India released a large volume of water into the river system. Authorities have warned communities living along the Ravi’s banks to remain cautious and take necessary safety measures.
Provincial disaster management teams and rescue agencies have been placed on high alert to deal with potential flooding. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to prepare for possible evacuation as water levels continue to rise.
The NDMA has assured that it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant departments to minimize risks and ensure timely response.
In a high flood alert posted at 5:40pm, the NDMA said: “Heavy rainfall expected in the upper regions of Ravi over the next 48 hours. The Indian dam Thein is 97 per cent full, and its spillways may be opened at any time. Due to potential discharge, a high-level flood is expected in the Ravi River. High-level flow is also expected in Pir Panjal, Bain, Basantar and Deek.”
The River Ravi has surged to alarming levels. At Jassar, the inflow reached approximately 111,000 cusecs, with Shahdara seeing flows exceeding 46,000 cusecs Pakistan today While Shahdara remains one of the most flood-prone areas, the alert has also extended into urban neighborhoods like Park View Society along Multan Road.
Key Advice for Park View Residents
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Stay Informed: Monitor alerts from NDMA, PDMA, and local authorities.
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Avoid Riverbanks: Keep a safe distance from the Ravi and other vulnerable zones.
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Prepare for Evacuation: Be ready to move quickly if an official order is issued.
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Check Infrastructure: Ensure drainage around your property is clear and functional.
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Coordinate Locally: Stay in touch with neighbors and community leaders for coordinated response effort.
A statement from the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said India had opened all gates of the Thein Dam on the Ravi River and 210,000 cusecs of water were entering Pakistan from Kot Ninan.
“In the next 24 hours, the water flow at Kot Ninan will increase further. In the next 48 hours, very high level of flood will pass through Jasar Shahdara and Head Baloki,” it said, adding that the Lahore commissioner and deputy commissioners of other districts had been alerted.
The PDMA spokesperson said the water level in the Ravi River was continuously increasing, adding that there was a high level of flood at Jasar with 142,000 cusecs of water continuously entering and a low level of flood at Shahdara at 56,000 cusecs of water.
The spokesperson said the PDMA had instructed the administration of the districts adjacent to the Ravi River to take emergency measures and instructions were issued for the immediate evacuation of citizens in the river’s basin.
Local administrations have urged residents near the riverbanks to stay cautious and prepare for possible evacuation. Nearly 150,000 people have already been evacuated across Punjab from vulnerable areas as heavy monsoon rains and upstream releases continue to swell rivers.
The situation is being closely monitored, and further rain forecasts may add to the risk of flooding in the coming days.
With water levels still rising, authorities stress that public cooperation is vital to minimize damage and save lives. Residents are advised to follow official instructions and avoid unnecessary movement near the Ravi River.