Punjab PDMA Alerts of Rising Water Levels Amid Monsoon Rains
Warning Issued for Potential Water Surge if India Releases More Water
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has raised an alarm regarding the potential escalation in water levels due to increased monsoon rains in case India decides to release more water. The PDMA spokesperson indicated that several districts, including Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Lodhran, Multan, and Bahawalpur, could face adverse effects from the heightened water inflow.
Punjab’s Relief Commissioner, Nabeel Javed, emphasized the possibility of evacuating villages along the River Sutlej and asserted that all concerned authorities are maintaining a state of high alert. The condition of Indian dams is also a matter of concern in this scenario.
PDMA reported a surge in water inflow at Islam Headworks to 151,000 cusecs, with high-level flooding at Ganda Singh Wala and medium-level flooding at Sulemanki. Continuous monitoring of rivers, dams, barrages, and streams is being carried out from the PDMA control room.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) indicated high flood levels at Ganda Singh Wala and Islam Headworks, while Sulemanki Headworks experiences medium-level flooding. The River Indus is at a low flood level at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Guddu headworks.
The FFD also forecasted scattered wind thunderstorms with moderate to heavy falls over major river catchments in the next 24 hours.
Punjab’s Caretaker Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, visited the relief camp at River Sutlej in Attari Village, Okara, acknowledging the severe impact on villages in Sahiwal Division. The relentless efforts of rescue teams and the district administration were lauded, with gratitude extended to the Pakistani Army for their support in relief efforts.
