By Our Correspondent
LAHORE– With floodwaters in the River Ravi swelling to alarming levels, the Lahore administration has sprung into action, carrying out mass evacuations, setting up relief camps, and monitoring the situation around the clock. Officials confirm that over 1,200 families have already been shifted to safer areas as water flow continues to rise.
Commissioner Lahore, Asif Bilal Lodhi, who has been leading from the front, conducted multiple late-night and early-morning visits to flood-prone areas including Ravi Siphon, downstream Ravi Bridge, Mohlanwal, Theme Park Society, and Farukhabad. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Lahore, Syed Musa Raza, and other senior officials.
Speaking to reporters during one of his visits to Ravi Bridge early Thursday morning, Lodhi said:
“At present, the River Ravi is carrying nearly 150,000 cusecs of water, and by 9 to 10 a.m., this flow could increase to 160,000–170,000 cusecs. The river’s full capacity is 250,000 cusecs, which means the situation remains under control, but we are not taking any chances.”
Evacuations in full swing
According to official briefings, the administration began evacuating at-risk residents days ago. By Wednesday night, around 500 families were shifted from low-lying settlements near the Ravi embankments. By Thursday morning, that number crossed 1,200 families.
Lodhi emphasized that the evacuation process is being conducted with “zero tolerance” for negligence.
“Every household is being checked one by one. Teams are knocking on doors to ensure no family is left behind,” he said.
Loudspeaker announcements, door-to-door visits, and assistance from police and rescue workers are being used to guarantee complete evacuation. Livestock has also been moved to higher ground, minimizing the risk of losses.
Relief and rescue in action
Relief camps have been set up across affected zones, equipped with medical facilities, food, water, and shelter. Lodhi said:
“Medical and livestock camps are fully functional, rescue operations are ongoing, and our teams are working round the clock with full energy.”
Officials added that Pakistan Army personnel have joined hands with the civil administration in Mohlanwal and other areas, helping with evacuations and ensuring law and order.
Government monitoring at the highest level
Commissioner Lodhi made it clear that Punjab Chief Minister is personally monitoring the developing situation and relief measures.
“The Chief Minister is overseeing every step. The protection of people’s lives and property is our top priority,” he stressed.
He further said that all departments — including district administration, police, Rescue 1122, and health services — are on high alert and patrolling vulnerable areas continuously.
Water levels rising, but situation ‘under control’
As of Thursday, the Ravi’s water flow stood at 150,000 cusecs, with projections of a peak around 170,000 cusecs. Officials reassured the public that while the water levels are high, they are well within the river’s maximum capacity.
“The situation is under control,” Lodhi said, “but we remain fully alert. All institutions are mobilized, and no one is off duty.”
On the ground: Mohlanwal and Theme Park Society
During his visit to Mohlanwal, Lodhi instructed Assistant Commissioners to strictly enforce government orders.
“No compromise. Knock on every door, check every lane, and make sure evacuation is 100% complete,” he directed.
He also warned residents to avoid re-entering danger zones. Police and rescue teams have been told to prevent people from going back to vacated areas. “Strict measures will be enforced to keep citizens safe,” Lodhi added.
Public reassurance amid uncertainty
Despite the looming threat, the Commissioner reassured Lahore residents that the administration is fully prepared.
“We are out in the field ourselves, day and night. All rescue, medical, and livestock support camps are active. People should cooperate with officials and avoid spreading panic,” he said.
He also highlighted the vital role of community cooperation: “Together, with discipline and teamwork, we can overcome this challenge.”
The road ahead
With Ravi’s waters expected to rise further over the next 24 hours, officials remain on round-the-clock watch. The administration says contingency plans are in place if water levels approach maximum capacity.
For now, however, Lahore breathes a cautious sigh of relief. Thanks to swift evacuations and tireless efforts from rescue and relief teams, no major casualties have been reported.
But with thousands already displaced and the river’s flow still surging, the coming hours will prove critical.
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