Lahore, Rawalpindi among six Punjab cities facing urban flood risk

The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of urban flooding in six major cities of Punjab as torrential rains are expected over the next 24 hours.

Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Gujrat have been identified as the cities most at risk, with local administrations placed on alert amid a fresh spell of monsoon rains.

The FFD said the Indus River at Kalabagh was likely to remain at low to medium flood levels, while low-level flooding was expected at Tarbela, Chashma, Taunsa and Guddu. The Chenab at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad, and the Kabul at Nowshera, were also forecast to reach low-flood levels.

For August 18 to 21, the Jhelum at Mangla and several gauging stations along the Chenab and Ravi rivers are expected to reach low-flood levels. Tributaries of the Kabul and hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan division also face a risk of flash flooding.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has warned of widespread rainfall across Punjab through August 21.

Meanwhile, official data showed high water flows at several rivers and barrages, including Tarbela, Nowshera, Jinnah, Chashma and Taunsa, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and preparedness.