Flood Emergency: Army Called in for Six Punjab Districts as India Opens Thein Dam Gates

By Ali Imran Chattha – Lahore, August 27

The Punjab government has requisitioned the Pakistan Army to assist in relief and rescue operations across six districts as floodwaters continue to rise in the province’s rivers following India’s release of massive inflows from the Thein Dam on the River Ravi.

According to the Punjab Home Department, troops will be deployed in Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, and Okara after district administrations sought urgent military support. The decision, taken on the directives of the Punjab Chief Minister, aims to protect lives and property amid worsening conditions.

A Home Department spokesperson said that the civil administration, PDMA, Rescue 1122, Civil Defense, and Police are already on the frontlines, while the army’s deployment will bolster ongoing operations. The strength of troops in each district will be finalized in consultation with local administrations, and Army Aviation resources will also be made available where required.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that India has opened all gates of the Thein Dam, releasing around 210,000 cusecs of water into Pakistan from Kot Nainan. The flow is expected to increase further in the next 24 hours.

At present, the Ravi River is witnessing high flood levels at Jassar with 142,000 cusecs, while Shahdara is recording medium flood levels at 56,000 cusecs. Authorities warn that within 48 hours, extremely high flood levels may pass through Jassar, Shahdara, and Head Balloki.

Emergency alerts have been issued to commissioners of Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, and deputy commissioners of adjoining districts. Evacuations from riverbed settlements are underway, with mosque announcements being used to warn residents of possible danger.

Experts caution that while Lahore’s Shahdara bridges have a combined capacity of around 300,000 cusecs, past flood management strategies—such as breaching embankments to divert excess water into fields and canals—may no longer be feasible due to the construction of factories, housing societies, and motorways on former flood channels.

The Punjab government stressed that all relevant departments are monitoring the flood situation 24/7 and reiterated its commitment to take every possible step to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.