The Punjab government has issued fresh warnings to residents of flood-prone areas, urging them to take precautionary measures. District administrations have deployed rescue teams and relief camps along the riverbanks to provide immediate support in case of emergencies.
Officials warned that rising levels could submerge farmlands and cut off road links in rural areas near Lahore. The provincial administration has also instructed irrigation authorities to monitor embankments closely and reinforce vulnerable points.
Train Operations Restored on ML-1
Despite the worsening flood situation, Pakistan Railways announced that train operations on Main Line-1 (ML-1) have been restored. A spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that all trains bound for Rawalpindi are now running on schedule and reaching their destinations without diversions.
Earlier, several trains faced disruptions as waterlogging and flood damage created hurdles on the tracks. However, rail officials assured passengers that safety inspections have been completed and operations are back to normal.
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PM Shehbaz Conducts Aerial Survey
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit areas in Punjab earlier in the day. Accompanied by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, the prime minister reviewed the extent of the damage.
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف پنجاب کے سیلاب سے متاثرہ علاقوں کے دورے پر روانہ
روانگی سے قبل اور فضائی جائزہ کے دوران چیئرمین این ڈی ایم اے لیفٹیننٹ جنرل انعام حیدر کی ملک میں مجموعی سیلابی صورتحال پر وزیراعظم کو تفصیلی بریفنگ
وزیراعظم کو پنجاب کے دریاؤں میں طغیانی اور زیر آب… pic.twitter.com/696jhYFIGS
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) August 28, 2025
The NDMA chief briefed the prime minister on the water level in River Ravi and other major rivers. He also updated him on ongoing rescue efforts, relief distribution, and evacuation measures in affected regions.
PM Shehbaz directed all federal and provincial institutions to intensify relief operations and ensure the protection of lives and property. He emphasized that no effort should be spared in providing assistance to the displaced population.
The water level in River Ravi continues to rise at Shahdara, raising fears of further flooding in Punjab’s low-lying areas. The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) reported on Thursday that the situation remains critical as inflows continue to increase, putting pressure on surrounding embankments.
Rising Water Levels at Shahdara
As of Thursday morning, the FFD confirmed that water levels in the Ravi have crossed danger marks at multiple points near Shahdara. Authorities noted that continuous inflows from upstream regions are driving the river towards high flood levels.
The water level in River Ravi continues to rise at Shahdara, posing a serious threat to nearby villages and agricultural lands. Rescue officials are on alert as the situation develops.
International Aid Still Insufficient
While the country is struggling with new floods, reports show that only 20 percent of the aid pledged after the 2022 disaster has been secured. A Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) estimated the 2022 damages at $14.9 billion, with recovery needs reaching $16.3 billion.
Despite these staggering figures, Pakistan continues to face delays in international assistance. Analysts warn that without adequate funding, rebuilding efforts will remain slow, and vulnerable communities will continue to suffer during each flood season.
Rescue and Relief Operations Intensify
Rescue 1122 teams, army personnel, and civil defense volunteers are on standby in Lahore and surrounding districts. Authorities have set up temporary relief camps and are distributing food and medical supplies to those evacuated from villages near Shahdara.
Emergency hotlines have been activated to ensure quick response times, and residents have been urged to report any breaches in embankments immediately. Irrigation officials are also carrying out round-the-clock monitoring to prevent unexpected collapses.
Climate-Driven Challenges Ahead
Experts link the recurring flood disasters to the growing impact of climate change. Pakistan, despite contributing less than one percent to global emissions, remains one of the most vulnerable countries to extreme weather events.
The water level in River Ravi continues to rise at Shahdara, highlighting the urgent need for better flood management strategies and climate resilience planning. Analysts stress that long-term infrastructure improvements and community preparedness are essential to reduce future losses.
دریائے راوی میں شاہدرہ کے مقام سے 1 لاکھ 50 ہزار کیوسک پانی کا ریلا گزر رہا ہے۔#PDMApunjab #FloodAlert #Punjab #MaryamNawaz #StaySafe #EmergencyPreparedness #DisasterManagement #Monsoon2025 #RaviShahdra pic.twitter.com/zFccNfQ5SU
— PDMA Punjab Official (@PdmapunjabO) August 28, 2025
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