Punjab Conducts Controlled Dam Breach to Ease Flood Pressure
Kartarpur Gurdwara submerged as Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers swell
By Web Desk | August 28, 2025
NAROWAL: Authorities in Punjab carried out a controlled breach of a dam embankment on Wednesday to ease mounting pressure from rising floodwaters, as monsoon rains continued to swell major rivers across the province.
At the Qadirabad Barrage on the Chenab River, officials deliberately detonated part of the embankment after water levels threatened to damage the structure.
“To protect the main dam, we breached the right marginal embankment so the water flow could be diverted safely,” explained Mazhar Hussain, spokesperson for Punjab’s Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Rising Flood Threat Across Punjab
Punjab, home to nearly half of Pakistan’s 255 million population, is facing heightened flood risk as the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers cross dangerously high levels.
The surge follows heavy rainfall upstream in India, where authorities released excess water from dams. Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed that New Delhi had shared advance notice of the release through diplomatic channels.
Flood alerts have been declared across riverside districts, while the army has been deployed to assist with evacuations of people and livestock. Disaster officials reported that more than 210,000 residents have relocated to safer areas so far.
Kartarpur Gurdwara Inundated
One of the world’s most sacred Sikh sites, the Kartarpur Gurdwara, was submerged under floodwater during the surge. The shrine marks the resting place of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, who passed away there in 1539.
Authorities dispatched five rescue boats to the site, where around 100 stranded people were successfully evacuated.
Impact on Lahore and Surrounding Areas
According to provincial disaster chief Irfan Ali, the flood surge is expected to pass through Lahore late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, raising concerns for the provincial capital.
The latest disaster comes during what has been described as a brutal monsoon season for Pakistan. Since June, torrential rains, floods, and landslides have claimed the lives of more than 800 people nationwide, while damaging infrastructure, agriculture, and communities across multiple provinces.
Looking Ahead
Authorities continue to monitor river flows closely and are urging residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant. With climate patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, disaster management experts stress the importance of long-term flood resilience planning alongside emergency response efforts.
