Punjab Seeks Army Deployment for Flood Relief as PDMA Warns of “Exceptionally High” Flood Risk

Lahore | August 27, 2025 – The Punjab government has formally requested the deployment of Pakistan Army troops in six districts as severe floods continue to devastate the province. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a red alert, warning of “very high to exceptionally high” flood risks within the next 48 hours, fueled by heavy monsoon rains and water discharges from India.

Army Requested in Six Punjab Districts

According to officials, the army has been called in to assist relief operations in Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, and Okara. Local administrations, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and police are already engaged in rescue and evacuation efforts, but the scale of the disaster has prompted the provincial government to seek military assistance.

The request was forwarded to the Ministry of Interior, with the number of troops to be finalized in consultation with district authorities. If required, army aviation units and additional resources will also be deployed.

Rising Rivers: Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab Swell

Floodwaters have surged after India released massive inflows into rivers crossing into Pakistan. Around 250,000 cusecs of water entered the Ravi River at Kot Nainan, submerging agricultural land and villages. Meanwhile, Dek Nullah overflowed, adding to the devastation.

In Sialkot, the Chenab River at Head Marala has exceeded 900,000 cusecs, nearing 2014’s catastrophic flood levels. Authorities have closed schools, imposed Section 144, and ordered immediate evacuations from low-lying villages.

Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali reported over 405 mm of rainfall, warning that embankments may not withstand further pressure if inflows continue.

PDMA & NDMA Issue Emergency Alerts

The PDMA cautioned that Punjab, including major cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, and Narowal, faces critical danger as Thein Dam in India is now 97% full, forcing emergency water releases. Similarly, the Madhopur Dam spillover has worsened the situation in the Ravi basin.

“The next 48 hours are critical,” said PDMA official Irfan Ali Kathia, urging people to avoid unnecessary movement and stay alert to official advisories.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also directed mass evacuations in areas surrounding the Chenab, Sutlej, and Ravi rivers.

Political & Administrative Response

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, visiting his home district Narowal, confirmed the Pakistan Army’s deployment, calling the flood situation “an emergency of national scale.” He appealed to citizens to stay vigilant and prioritize safety.

Meanwhile, Punjab’s Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar has placed the police on high alert, directing personnel to support evacuation, secure relief camps, and patrol vulnerable areas.

PMD Forecasts More Rainfall, Urban Flooding

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts heavy rain, wind, and thunderstorms across northeast Punjab, Kashmir, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Urban flooding is feared in Lahore, Narowal, Gujranwala, and Sialkot, while landslides threaten Kashmir’s hilly regions.

Since late June, over 800 people have lost their lives to flood-related incidents nationwide, with August alone accounting for nearly half of the deaths. Alongside Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan is witnessing glacial lake outburst floods, while Karachi suffered flash floods last week.

Key Takeaway

Punjab is bracing for one of its worst flood crises since 2014, as record-high inflows in rivers threaten millions. With NDMA and PDMA flood alerts, Pakistan Army deployment, and ongoing rescue operations, authorities urge the public to remain cautious, follow evacuation orders, and prioritize safety over property.