LAHORE: The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has sounded the alarm regarding a potentially perilous surge in water levels and flood if India releases more water, given the ongoing monsoon rains in the region.
The PDMA spokesperson cautioned that several districts of the Punjab, including Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Lodhran, Multan, and Bahawalpur, could face the brunt of intensified water inflow.
Punjab’s Relief Commissioner, Nabeel Javed, emphasized that this situation could necessitate the evacuation of villages near the River Sutlej. He confirmed the readiness of all relevant authorities, highlighting concerns over the status of Indian dams.
Recent updates from the PDMA said water inflow at the Islam Headworks, currently standing at 151,000 cusecs. Meanwhile, Ganda Singh Wala is experiencing a high-level flood with a water flow of 122,000 cusecs, and Sulemanki is grappling with a medium-level flood.
Continuous surveillance of all rivers, dams, barrages, and streams is being conducted from the PDMA control room to promptly address any developments.
Flood Situation in Various Rivers
The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) disclosed that Ganda Singh Wala Headworks and Islam Headworks along the River Sutlej are under high flood conditions, while Sulemanki Headworks is facing a medium-level flood.
The FFD’s forecast indicates the River Indus maintaining a low flood level at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Guddu headworks.
Furthermore, the forecast predicts scattered wind thunderstorms and moderate rainfall, with isolated heavy falls anticipated over the upper catchments of major rivers in the coming 24 hours.
In light of the situation, Punjab’s Caretaker Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, visited the relief camp at River Sutlej in Attari Village, Okara. He noted the severity of the floods affecting Sahiwal Division, with numerous villages affected, thousands evacuated, and relief operations in full swing.
