The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has declared an end to the most destructive spell of this year’s monsoon, raising hopes for some respite in flood-hit regions.
According to Wednesday’s update, the authority confirmed that no major rains are forecast in the coming week, even in the upper catchments of the province’s main rivers—a critical factor in easing flood pressure.
Rivers Still Carrying Dangerous Volumes
Despite the weakening of monsoon activity, Punjab’s rivers remain swollen, with multiple points still under severe flood stress.
- Sutlej River: At Ganda Singh Wala, flows are recorded at 230,000 cusecs, while Head Sulemanki is seeing 137,000 cusecs—both categorized as high flood levels.
- Chenab River: Head Marala is discharging 62,000 cusecs, Khanki Headworks faces a low flood at 98,000 cusecs, while Trimmu Headworks is under heavy strain with 250,000 cusecs.
- Panjnad River: Currently the most critical site in Punjab, with water surging at 475,000 cusecs—the highest flow reported across the province.
- Ravi River: Jassar stands at 26,000 cusecs, Shahdara at 31,000 cusecs, Balloki at 80,000 cusecs (moderate flood), and Sidhnai has climbed to a high flood level of 121,000 cusecs.
Caution Remains Despite Monsoon Slowdown
The PDMA underlined that while the threat of further escalation has lessened due to the absence of fresh rainfall, the situation remains precarious. Authorities are continuing round-the-clock monitoring and preparedness measures to protect vulnerable communities.
This year’s monsoon has already pushed Punjab’s river system to the brink, with the tenth and final wave emerging as the most destructive. Officials warn that even without new rainfall, sustained high river flows can threaten embankments, crops, and settlements along floodplains.
