ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and other relevant institutions to stay on high alert to deal with possible flooding in the adjacent areas of the Chenab River.
In a statement, the Prime Minister said he himself is monitoring the dashboard of the expected severe spell of monsoon.
The Prime Minister said NDMA, PDMAs, civil defence and district administrations should be ready at all times to protect the people in the catchment areas of the Chenab River and the cities that are at risk of flooding due to rains.
The Prime Minister also directed to ensure preparation for evacuation and relief, drainage, medicines, tents and other relief items.
PM Shehbaz said awareness of any expected situation in possible flooding areas should be ensured among the people of those areas.
Meanwhile, the National Emergencies Operation Center of NDMA anticipated rain, wind and thundershowers with isolated heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of River Chenab till August 18.
“Consequently, the Chenab River is expected to reach High to Very High-level flows which may result in inundation in low-lying areas & damage of infrastructure,” the NDMA news release said.
All villages and towns or settlements near Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad, especially along the flood plain, could be affected by increasing flows.
A strong Monsoon spell was active in catchment areas of eastern rivers, particularly in catchment areas of River Chenab including Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Chiniot, etc. Similarly, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) including Reasi, Akhnoor, Salal, Rajouri, Jammu, etc.
Heavy rainfall is anticipated in isolated places until August 18, which will result in a significant increase in the flow of River Chenab as well as local nullahs. Urban flooding is expected in the urban centers, however, high to very high flood levels are likely in River Chenab. Rainfall intensity is expected to taper down after August 18; however, more rains can be expected till August 25 with gaps in catchment areas of Chenab.
