SIALKOT: The city of Sialkot faced unprecedented flooding as relentless monsoon rains broke a 49-year-old record, inundating vast areas and leaving many residents stranded.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the region received 363.5 millimeters of rainfall within a 24-hour period— the highest since 1976. The PMD confirmed the record via a post on X, stating, “363.5mm rain in 24 hours — a new 49-year record!” The department had previously forecasted heavy showers in May and August, issuing warnings of continued rainfall. The last significant rainfall was recorded on August 6, 1976, when the city received 339.7mm.
Compounding the crisis, water released from Indian rivers Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej has intensified flooding along their banks. Entire villages, agricultural lands, and crops have been submerged, forcing residents to evacuate to safer areas.
The situation has prompted military assistance in several cities, including Lahore, Kasur, Faisalabad, Narowal, and Okara, to aid rescue and relief efforts. At Kartarpur, floodwaters breached the project management unit, leaving over 100 workers stranded. Breaches have also been reported in Mandi Bahauddin and Alipur Chattha to divert water from the Chenab River.
Officials reported that water levels in the Ravi River have surpassed those recorded in 1955 at Jassar and in 1988 at Shahdara, signaling a severe threat. In Sialkot, rainfall intensified rapidly, paralyzing the city within hours. The Chenab River’s flow at Head Marala reached 902,224 cusecs— nearing its maximum capacity of 1.1 million cusecs— prompting authorities to seek military support for relief operations.
Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar declared a district-wide emergency and imposed Section 144, banning public access to rivers, streams, and bridges. The heavy downpour, which measured 405mm over 12 hours, flooded streets, homes, markets, and government offices. Nullah Aik, with an official capacity of 25,000 cusecs, overflowed after receiving nearly double that amount— reaching 46,950 cusecs— exacerbating urban flooding. Power outages and disruptions in internet and mobile connectivity have hampered rescue efforts.
Large parts of Rangpura, Nikka Pura, Shahab Pura, Defence Road, and Kareem Pura are submerged under several feet of water. Roads remain blocked, while boats are being used to evacuate stranded families. Approximately 85 villages along the Tawi River have been isolated due to floodwaters. Despite the ongoing crisis, crowds gathered along the banks of Nullah Bhed to witness the rising waters and the unfolding natural disaster
