The Chenab river’s water level rose sharply by Saturday, triggering urgent warning in Jhang district.
The sharp increase in river flow is threatening to flood more than 30 villages along the Jhang riverbanks.
As of the latest reports from the District Emergency Control Room, water level inflow at the Trimmu Barrage, Chenab river, reached 53,085 cusecs, with the outflow at 42,235 cusecs.
Officials expect the river’s flow to increase further to around 100,000 cusecs within hours.
District authorities instructed residents in vulnerable settlements to evacuate immediately and move to safer locations. Rescue teams equipped with boats were dispatched to assist those affected, and emergency preparations are underway to manage the situation.
Early warning systems were also activated as officials continue to monitor the river.
The flood risk in Jhang follows a period of intense monsoon rains that have already wreaked widespread destruction in Punjab. The floods damaged infrastructure and crops over the summer months, increasing rise of food shortage.
Northern regions of Gilgit-Baltistan were also hit by unusually heavy rain. It lead to severe mudslides and landslides, killing scores of people.