Punjab Floods: Rising Waters in Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej Put Thousands at Risk

Severe Punjab floods caused by heavy rains and climate change have raised water levels in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. Authorities warn residents to evacuate as the situation worsens.

Punjab Floods: A Growing Threat

Three major rivers in Punjab—Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej—are currently facing severe floods after heavy rains. The situation has quickly turned into a life-and-death challenge for thousands of people living near these rivers.

What is a Cusec?

Before understanding the severity of the floods, it is important to know the term cusec. Cusec means “cubic feet per second.” In simple words, if one cubic foot of water (around 28 liters) passes a point in one second, that flow is called one cusec. It is the unit used to measure water flow in rivers, streams, and canals.

Record-Breaking Water Flow

The river Chenab has witnessed an alarming rise in water flow. Within a few hours, it jumped from 80,000–90,000 cusecs to a dangerous level of 900,000 cusecs, the highest since 1999.

• At Ravi, flood waves of 202,200 cusecs are currently passing, and this may rise to 229,700 cusecs soon. Low-lying areas near the motorway are at risk of submerging.

• In the Sutlej, a massive high flood wave of 245,000 cusecs has been recorded, while near Sulemaniki, water levels are at 100,355 cusecs, creating further pressure on rescue operations.

Response and Rescue Efforts

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued high-level flood warnings for River Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab. Residents near riverbanks are being advised to evacuate immediately. Relief camps have been set up to provide food, medicines, and basic facilities to affected people.

Rescue teams are working day and night under difficult conditions, but reports suggest that water levels may continue to rise in the coming days.

Climate Change and Flooding

Experts link the worsening floods to climate change and global warming. Sudden cloudbursts, unpredictable monsoon patterns, and poor river management have intensified the crisis. These disasters highlight the urgent need for climate justice and long-term planning to protect vulnerable communities.

The ongoing floods in Punjab are a reminder of how fragile life becomes in the face of nature’s force. As water levels in Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej continue to rise, the focus must remain on saving lives, relocating communities, and addressing the deeper issues of climate change.