Lahore – Flood devastation in Punjab continues to worsen as overflowing rivers have inundated hundreds of villages, leaving thousands homeless. At least 17 people have died as floodwaters breached protective embankments across multiple districts.

Lahore Under Rising Waters

In Lahore, the Ravi River has reached extremely high levels at Shahdara, forcing water into nearby localities including Farrukhabad, Aziz Colony, Shafiqabad, Afghan Colony, and Mureedwala. Parts of Ring Road and adjoining areas such as Badami Bagh are submerged. In Chuhang, water entered private housing societies, prompting residents to evacuate.

The flooding has disrupted daily life, damaged infrastructure, and cut off ground access to several communities. Authorities are working to relocate families to safer areas.

Villages and Crops Destroyed

The Ravi River has also caused widespread damage in Narang Mandi, where thousands of acres of farmland are underwater. Communication lines have collapsed, isolating villages and settlements. In Narowal, several villages have been submerged, destroying standing crops on thousands of acres. Roads, including the Shakargarh–Narowal route, have gone under water.

Rail services were also hit as floodwaters reached the railway track in Qila Ahmedabad, forcing suspension of train operations.

In Chiniot’s Lalian tehsil, a breach in the protective bund at Mouza Kalri flooded more than 100 villages. Over 8 lakh 5,300 cusecs of floodwater is passing through the district, forcing thousands to move to safer locations.

In Sahiwal, cracks have appeared in the Aurangabad bund. Authorities have warned nearby residents to relocate as adjoining settlements risk submersion.

New Rainfall Warnings

The Meteorological Department has issued fresh warnings of heavy rainfall from August 29 to September 2 across various parts of Pakistan. Punjab is expected to see more rain in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, and Narowal. Officials fear further flooding in vulnerable areas.

Southern Punjab districts, including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah, Bhakkar, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan, are also under threat of flash floods due to forecasted downpours.

The department also warned of heavy rain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Malakand, Hazara, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, where risks of landslides and glacial lake outburst floods remain high. Sindh and Balochistan may face urban flooding and landslides.

Ongoing Crisis

With embankments breached and crops destroyed, flood devastation in Punjab has triggered a humanitarian crisis. Thousands remain displaced, while relief teams struggle to provide shelter, food, and medical aid. The government has urged people in low-lying areas to move to safer ground as rains continue.