ISLAMABAD: The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a warning about a potentially perilous rise in water levels if India releases additional water in response to heightened monsoon rains. The PDMA spokesperson indicated that districts, including Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Lodhran, Multan, and Bahawalpur could face impacts from the increased water inflow.
Punjab’s Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed stated, “Authorities are on high alert as villages near the River Sutlej might require evacuation. Concerns are also arising regarding the situation of Indian dams.”
The PDMA reported that water inflow at Islam Headworks has surged to 151,000 cusecs. Meanwhile, a high-level flood is occurring at Ganda Singh Wala with water flow at 122,000 cusecs, and Sulemanki is facing a medium-level flood.
Ongoing monitoring is being conducted from the PDMA control room, encompassing all rivers, dams, barrages, and streams.
Flood Forecasting Division
Meanwhile, the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) indicated that River Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala Headworks and Islam Headworks has reached a high flood level, while Sulemanki Headworks is experiencing a medium flood level. The River Indus is at a low flood level at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Guddu Headworks.
The forecast from FFD further anticipates scattered wind, thunderstorms, and moderate to heavy rainfall in isolated areas within the upper catchments of major rivers over the next 24 hours.
Furthermore, the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, visited a relief camp at River Sutlej in Attari Village, Okara. He reported, “Severe floods have impacted 107 villages in Sahiwal Division, leading to the evacuation of 82,000 people, with 16,000 residing in the Attari camp alone.
Significantly, rescue operations have saved 36,000 animals, with 40 boats actively participating, all backed by the presence of 11 relief camps in Sahiwal.
Naqvi conveyed his gratitude to the Pakistan Army for their medical assistance and support in the relief efforts, acknowledging the relentless efforts of rescue teams and the district administration in evacuating flood-affected areas.
