LAHORE – Floodwaters from the River Ravi surged into parts of Lahore on Thursday morning, inundating at least five residential areas and forcing hundreds of families to evacuate.

The hardest-hit neighborhoods include Shafiqabad, Farrakhabad, Tallat Park near Shahdara Bridge, Theme Park along Multan Road in Chuhng, and parts of Park View. Streets in these areas were submerged, and several homes suffered structural damage, though authorities confirmed that all residents had been evacuated in advance.

Ravi Reaches Dangerous Levels

Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza said the Ravi was flowing at nearly 220,000 cusecs—one of the highest recorded volumes since the catastrophic floods of 1988, when the river swelled to 345,000 cusecs, well above its designed capacity of 250,000 cusecs.

“This is the most significant flooding Lahore has seen in decades,” Raza told Dawn. “If upstream discharges from India remain controlled, water levels should start to recede in the coming days.”

Evacuations Prevent Loss of Life

Authorities credited early warnings and swift evacuation efforts for preventing casualties. Most residents either moved in with relatives across the city or sought shelter at relief camps set up in schools. The district administration is providing food, bedding, and basic necessities to displaced families.

Livestock were also relocated to safe zones, officials said, while residents tried to salvage household belongings by moving furniture and valuables to upper floors before fleeing.

Mixed Situation in Park View

While officials said Park View Housing Society is secure thanks to newly built embankments, residents reported that floodwaters breached two unoccupied blocks on Wednesday night and advanced further into the area by Thursday. Many families locked up their homes and left for safer ground.

Relief and rescue personnel have been stationed in the area to monitor water levels and respond to emergencies.

Residents Recount Close Call

In Theme Park, families evacuated after government loudspeakers urged them to leave hours before the water reached their homes.

“The water was already at our doorstep when we left,” said Jannat Bibi, a resident now staying with relatives in Johar Town. “At least we had time to get out safely.”

Outlook

While the Ravi has not yet surpassed its maximum capacity, authorities remain on high alert. The flood has exposed Lahore’s vulnerability to heavy upstream discharges, a recurring problem during monsoon season, particularly for low-lying settlements near the river.