Flood Threat Looms Over Punjab as River Chenab Swells Near Head Marala
Punjab is facing a heightened risk of flooding as the River Chenab swells at Head Marala following two days of intense rainfall. Officials have confirmed that the river is in a state of high flood, with water levels rising rapidly in its tributaries, especially Nala Dek near Kingra, which has already caused damage to crops and roads.
The Meteorological Office has issued a red alert, forecasting extremely heavy rains across upper Punjab and the Jammu hills. Authorities fear the risk could intensify, with the Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala potentially reaching exceptionally high flood levels soon, and the Indus River at Sukkur also at risk within the next 24 hours. However, the primary concern centers on the Chenab and its tributaries, which are expected to experience a very high flood within the next 48 hours.
Substantial rainfall has been recorded across the region, with Sialkot Cantonment receiving 168 mm, the Deputy Commissioner’s office 141 mm, Sambrial 110 mm, and Sialkot Airport 79 mm. The situation is critical at Nala Dek in Kingra, where floodwaters have breached danger levels and entered residential areas. Palkhu canal in Sialkot Cantonment has also overflowed, prompting police to restrict traffic at key points.
In response, provincial authorities have mobilized emergency machinery, with Irrigation Minister Muhammad Kazim Pirzada overseeing briefings at Cadet College Pasrur. Senior officials, including Commissioner Gujranwala Naveed Haider Sherazi, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, and Deputy Commissioner Sialkot Saba Asghar Ali, are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts.
Minister Pirzada has announced plans to clear natural water routes and launch a comprehensive operation against illegal encroachments blocking drainage channels. Officials are also considering in-depth studies of river and channel courses for long-term flood management solutions.
Commissioner Sherazi emphasized that while the administration is on high alert, public cooperation is vital, warning that disregarding safety instructions could put lives at risk. PDMA Chief Irfan Ali Kathia stated that relief camps stocked with food and medical supplies have been established, and hinted at potential new legislation to strengthen disaster response.
Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar reported that six roads in the area were damaged by flooding from Nala Dek. Three have been reopened after swift repairs, while the others remain closed. Five relief camps in Pasrur Tehsil are currently sheltering displaced families, and preparations are underway for further evacuations as the Jammu Tawi river rises, potentially threatening up to 16 villages.
Rescue 1122 teams have been actively relocating families and livestock from vulnerable areas. Officials estimate that more than 5,000 people and 1,450 animals may need to be relocated if the situation worsens, with provisions such as fodder and tents already on standby.
The weather office has extended red alerts to Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Jhelum, Gujrat, and Lahore, advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay clear of flooded zones as heavy rain and strong winds are expected in the coming hours.
With water levels at Head Marala being monitored on an hourly basis and upstream rainfall continuing, the risk of further flooding remains high. Residents living along the riverbanks are preparing to evacuate, hoping the floodwaters will recede before causing further devastation.
