PDMA Warns of Rising Flood Threat in Next 24 Hours as Ravi River Peaks at Head Balloki

Lahore: Director General **PDMA Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia**, has warned that the flood situation in Punjab could worsen over the next **24 hours** as the **Ravi River at Head Balloki** continues to peak.

Addressing a press briefing in Lahore, Kathia said that by **September 1**, around **700,000 cusecs of water** would reach **Head Trimmu**, while floodwaters from Ravi and Chenab would flow into **Head Shershah** and **Head Sulaimanki**, before entering **Head Panjnad on September 4**.

He described the ongoing disaster as a **historic flood**, revealing that so far **2,200 villages** in Punjab have been affected and **33 lives lost**. The ninth spell of monsoon rains, he said, has caused massive destruction, combining river floods with urban flooding. According to PDMA’s data, **20 million people** have been impacted across Punjab.

The DG PDMA said that relief operations are underway with the support of the **Pakistan Army and Rescue 1122**, ensuring not only the safety of people but also the evacuation and protection of livestock.

He added that political leadership, including **Maryam Nawaz**, has directed authorities to prioritize the protection of human lives at all costs. District administrations are actively monitoring riverbanks around the clock.

Kathia further stated that while water flow at the **Sutlej** has started decreasing, **154,000 cusecs of water** are currently passing through **Head Sulaimanki**, and another **100,000 cusecs** near **Bahawalpur**.

He expressed hope that if water levels recede in the next **six to seven days**, authorities will be able to shift focus towards rapid clearance and rehabilitation of submerged areas.