PM Shehbaz, Punjab CM Maryam visit flood-hit areas, conduct aerial review 

Lahore (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a visit to the flood-affected regions of Punjab on Thursday, conducting an aerial inspection to assess the extent of the damage.

He was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during his trip to Narowal, where both leaders observed the submerged areas from the air.

While onboard, the Prime Minister was briefed by the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Inam Haider, who provided a comprehensive overview of the prevailing flood conditions, rising river levels across Punjab, and the ongoing rescue and relief operations in the affected zones.

Following the briefing, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the urgency of delivering swift aid to those impacted and instructed relevant departments to strengthen preventive measures and ensure relief reaches all those in need without delay.

After the aerial survey, the prime minister and the Punjab chief minister proceeded to receive an in-depth ground briefing in Narowal, where officials outlined the scale of the flooding emergency and the immediate challenges being faced on the ground.

According to the latest report from the Flood Forecasting Division, the situation in the rivers Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej remains critical, with water levels continuing to surge.

The Ravi River, in particular, is experiencing a significant rise in flow. At Jassar, the river’s discharge has climbed to 229,700 cusecs, placing it in the category of an extremely high flood. Similarly, at Shahdara, the Ravi is flowing at a very high flood level, with water volume recorded at 155,000 cusecs.

Conditions along the Chenab River are becoming increasingly hazardous. At Head Qadirabad, the river is currently in an extremely high flood state, with water flow measured at 1,054,000 cusecs.

Erosion at the Qadirabad Headworks is intensifying, sparking concern over a possible breach. 
In a preemptive effort to relieve pressure, authorities have deliberately breached two embankments—one near Mandi Bahauddin and another close to Alipur Chatha.

Residents in low-lying and river-adjacent communities have been strongly urged to evacuate immediately, as the threat to life and property increases.

Meanwhile, the flow at Head Khanki has reached 981,700 cusecs, and at Head Marala, it stands at 280,910 cusecs. A severe flood event is anticipated at Kot Momin later tonight, where water discharge is expected to exceed 700,000 cusecs.

Authorities remain on high alert as the situation continues to evolve, with rescue teams mobilized and emergency protocols activated across vulnerable areas.