Pakistan Army called in for flood relief in Narowal | The Express Tribune

As floodwaters continue to rise across Punjab following India’s release of water into eastern rivers, the provincial government has approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army in six districts to support ongoing relief and rescue efforts, Express News reported

The decision comes amid a growing flood emergency in parts of Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, and Okara, where riverine and urban flooding is threatening lives and property.

The flooding has been triggered by the discharge of approximately 250,000 cusecs of water from the Ravi River at Kot Nainan, submerging vast tracts of agricultural and residential land. Simultaneously, high water levels in the Dek Nullah have added to the devastation, putting further strain on local relief efforts.

According to the Punjab Home Department, the district administrations in the affected areas had formally requested the immediate deployment of army troops to assist civil authorities.

The Home Department said that Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, police, and local authorities were already active on the ground, but the magnitude of the flood threat necessitated additional support from the armed forces.

The military is expected to assist in emergency evacuations, reinforce embankments, and provide logistical support where required. The number of troops will be determined in consultation with respective district administrations, the department added.

Where necessary, Army Aviation and other resources will also be deployed to aid operations in hard-to-reach or severely affected regions.

A government spokesperson said the Punjab government and all relevant departments were monitoring the flood situation round the clock and using all available resources to ensure the safety of citizens.

“This timely and coordinated response aims not only to provide urgent relief but also to prevent any large-scale disaster,” the spokesperson added.

According to the communication, the request comes in response to worsening conditions triggered by heavy monsoon rains and large discharges of water into the Ravi River, including from upstream Indian dams. Narowal and Kasur—both located near the Indian border—have been among the hardest-hit districts in recent days.

Meanwhile, the local administration in Narowal has also sought assistance from the Pakistan Army, as rising floodwaters continue to inundate vast swathes of the region.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, in a post on X, said the situation in Narowal district had reached emergency levels. He confirmed that while the district administration was actively engaged in relief and rescue operations, the gravity of the crisis necessitated the deployment of army personnel.

“The administration is working on the ground, but the severity of the flooding has led us to request the Pakistan Army’s support,” he said. He urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement in affected areas, and prioritise their safety. The minister also announced that he was heading to Narowal to assess the situation on the ground.

Chenab flow tops 900,000 cusecs

Sialkot is reeling under a burgeoning flood crisis after monsoon deluges and upstream discharges from India significantly raised water levels in the Chenab River.

At the Head Marala barrage, inflows have now exceeded 900,000 cusecs — a surge matching 2014’s record, prompting an emergency military deployment.

Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali confirmed that 405 mm of rainfall has been received to date. In light of the escalating water levels, all schools in the district were ordered closed on August 27. Residents have been instructed to stay indoors, avoid travel, and steer clear of nullahs and low-lying areas. Authorities have also imposed Section 144 to enforce movement restrictions.

Although the Head Marala barrage has a design capacity of 1.1 million cusecs, current inflows have overtaken the threshold of 900,000 cusecs — recalling levels last seen in the devastating floods of 2014. Localities such as Khanki and surrounding villages are now facing imminent risk, with the NDMA directing immediate evacuations.

An official from the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) described the situation as “extremely serious,” emphasizing that timely deployment of the armed forces would help protect lives and property.

Moreover, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned that the province —including the major city of Lahore—is facing a “very high to exceptionally high” flood danger, driven by heavy monsoon rains and India’s decision to discharge water from two dams.

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According to the PDMA, India had opened all gates of the Thein Dam, releasing surplus water into the Ravi. This development followed a warning issued the previous day regarding a possible discharge from the rapidly filling Madhopur Dam, also affecting the Ravi River system.

“The flood situation is grave,” said Irfan Ali Kathia, an official with Punjab’s disaster management authority. “The next 48 hours will be critical.”

Read More: PM orders swift evacuations as floods impact Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) previously assessed that satellite imagery showed the Thein Dam was already 97% full—a level at which water discharge becomes imminent.

India regularly conducts such releases when reservoirs surpass capacity; however, the proximity of the two nuclear-armed nations and lingering post-conflict tensions have heightened sensitivities. Any floods blamed on Indian actions could further strain fragile relations.

An Indian government source clarified that the second alert did not reference a specific dam. Intense rainfall, the source added, had prompted renewed communication with Pakistan via diplomatic channels, ostensibly on humanitarian grounds to help avert a disaster affecting both countries.

PMD forecasts persistent rain, flood risks

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts widespread rain, wind and thundershowers on Wednesday in northeast Punjab and Kashmir, with isolated rainfall expected elsewhere in central and southern Punjab, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and northeast and south Balochistan.

Heavy downpours may trigger landslides and mudslides in hilly areas of Kashmir—including Rawalakot, Poonch, and Mirpur—and urban flooding in low-lying cities like Narowal, Sialkot, Gujranwala, and Lahore.

Residents have been urged to stay cautious as intense weather may impact weak structures, poles, billboards, and vehicles.

In response to the escalating threat, Punjab’s Inspector General of Police, Dr Usman Anwar, placed the police force on high alert. He directed teams across the province to assist in rescue and evacuation operations—particularly in low-lying and flood-prone villages bordering rivers and streams.

Supervisory officers (RPOs and DPOs) have been personally tasked with overseeing ground efforts, coordinating closely with district administrations and rescue agencies.

Regular patrolling is underway in affected areas, and police are ensuring the safety of relief camps and flood-displaced individuals. “The protection of lives, property and essential belongings of citizens will be ensured at all costs,” the IGP stated.

Since the monsoon began in late June, flood-related deaths in Pakistan have reached 802, with nearly half occurring in August alone. Other regions are similarly affected; Gilgit-Baltistan is grappling with accelerated glacial melt, and Karachi was partially submerged by flash floods last week.