The flood situation in Punjab shows signs of improvement, particularly at Jassar on the Ravi River, where water levels have significantly decreased. At Shahdara, the current water flow stands at 185,447 cusecs, well below the river’s capacity of 250,000 cusecs, with officials anticipating a downward trend in the coming hours. The next critical point to monitor is Balloki Headworks, where floodwaters are expected to move next, posing potential challenges for downstream communities.

Jassar and Shahdara

The Ravi River at Jassar, which recently experienced exceptionally high flood levels exceeding 200,000 cusecs, has shown marked improvement, according to the latest updates from the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD). The declining water flow signals a reduced immediate threat to upstream areas. At Shahdara, the current flow of 185,447 cusecs remains manageable, and authorities expect a further decrease, easing pressure on Lahore’s low-lying areas like Shahdara, Park View, and Motorway-2. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who visited Shahdara on Thursday, inspected protective embankments and directed rescue teams to maintain heightened alertness. She emphasized swift evacuations and robust safety measures, stating, “We will not compromise on public safety.” Over 50,000 people and thousands of livestock have already been relocated from vulnerable zones.

Balloki Headworks: The Next Critical Focus

As floodwaters move downstream, Balloki Headworks emerges as the next critical point. The FFD warns that the Ravi River at Balloki could experience medium to high flood levels within the next 48 hours, driven by earlier heavy rainfall and water releases from India’s Madhupur Headworks. The Punjab government has mobilized Rescue 1122, the Pakistan Army, and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to prepare for potential flooding in areas like Nankana Sahib and Kasur. Relief camps, numbering 263, and 161 medical camps are operational, providing food, water, and healthcare to over 600,000 affected residents across 769 villages. Maryam Nawaz, in coordination with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reviewed the situation via an aerial survey, ensuring resources reach flood-hit regions promptly.

The PDMA and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) continue to monitor the situation closely, with SMS alerts and mosque announcements urging residents near Balloki to stay vigilant. The government’s proactive measures, including forced evacuations and the deployment of Clinics on Wheels, aim to mitigate the impact of what officials call Punjab’s largest flood relief operation in nearly four decades. While the situation at Jassar and Shahdara stabilizes, authorities remain on high alert to manage the evolving crisis at Balloki and beyond.