ISLAMABAD: The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) has issued a warning alert stating that the River Chenab may experience a “very high to exceptionally high level” of flooding between July 8th and 10th due to heavy rainfall.
The FFD-issued alert predicts widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall due to a deep trough, strong monsoon currents, and an approaching upper air circulation. The upper catchments of the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers are expected to experience this rainfall, with some impact extending to the River Jhelum as well. The FFD also highlighted the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall at scattered locations.
As a result of these weather conditions, the FFD has stated that the River Chenab is likely to experience flooding at a very high to exceptionally high level. The flood situation in the rivers Ravi and Sutlej will depend on the release of water from India.
Additionally, the FFD has cautioned that a high to very high level of flooding is expected in the nullahs (tributaries) of the rivers Ravi and Chenab.
Punjab: 9 Lives Lost Due to ‘Record-Breaking’ Rainfall
Two intense rainfall episodes on Wednesday resulted in the loss of nine lives in Punjab, with the majority of fatalities occurring in Lahore. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of anticipated showers over the next three days, potentially with increased severity.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the submergence of Lahore Electric Supply Company’s infrastructure during the heavy rainfall resulted in the electrocution of three individuals in Lahore.
Waterlogged areas were formed in several parts of the city, including upscale areas like Gulberg and Defence Housing Authority.
Additionally, three individuals lost their lives in Lahore due to collapsed roofs caused by the heavy downpour and strong winds. Furthermore, one person drowned in Lahore and another in Layyah as low-lying areas of both cities were flooded.
In Kasur, a young individual from Sahjra village near the Pakistan-India border lost their life due to a lightning strike.
Furthermore, six individuals sustained critical injuries in accidents caused by the rain. The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) reported that the rainfall broke a 30 years record, exceeding 200 millimeters at twelve out of its sixteen monitoring points. The rainfall occurred in two spells, starting at around 4 am and lasting until 1 pm, with a 30-minute break.
