Flood Alert: PDMA Warns of More Rain, Rising River Flows

News Desk 

Lahore: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned of more rains across Punjab, while India is expected to release additional water into Pakistani rivers in the coming days.

Addressing a media briefing, DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia said that changing weather patterns indicate the onset of winter, with light rainfall expected in various districts of Punjab on Saturday (today).

He added that heavier rains are likely from Rawalpindi to Lahore starting October 5, while South Punjab may also experience showers on Sunday (tomorrow). Up to 70 mm of rainfall could occur in northern areas.

Kathia noted that 27 districts of Punjab have been affected by the recent floods. At present, 20,000 cusecs of water is flowing at Head Marala, with projections of up to 100,000 cusecs arriving from India within 48 hours.

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Currently, 23,000 cusecs of water is passing through Marala, compared to 900,000 cusecs recorded on August 26, indicating that the current inflow does not pose a severe challenge.

The DG PDMA stated that while the Mangla Dam water level remains high, a major flood in Jhelum is not expected. However, 50,000 cusecs of water may flow from India into the Sutlej River and 35,000 cusecs from Thane Dam into the Ravi River.

A comprehensive survey of 27 flood-affected districts is ongoing, with 11,500 personnel from the Pakistan Army, district administration, and various departments working in 2,213 teams to assess damages.

Sharing data on financial assistance, Kathia revealed that:

• Rs14 billion was distributed among 350,000 victims in 2010,
• 38,196 victims in 2012,
• 359,000 victims in 2014, and
• Rs10 billion to 56,000 victims in 2022.
• Overall, Rs51 billion has been disbursed among flood victims over the past 15 years.

He added that the 2025 floods have proven to be more destructive than any in recent history, inflicting severe losses to homes, livestock, crops, and human lives across multiple districts.