LAHORE; The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Tuesday issued a warning about potential river flooding due to ongoing rains in the country’s upper regions and the possible release of water by India in the coming days.
“There is a risk that India may release water into the Sutlej River within the next two days. Water levels in Indian dams have risen unusually,” a PDMA spokesperson said, noting that the Bhakra, Pong, and Thein dams in India are currently at 61%, 76%, and 64% of their capacity, respectively.
The authority has already issued a warning for medium to high-level flooding in the Chenab River. PDMA Director General said that the water situation in rivers and dams is being monitored around the clock, adding that water flow in the Sutlej River may rise further.
This alert comes a day after the PDMA released a flood advisory as Punjab braces for its seventh spell of monsoon rains starting August 13. The upcoming rains are expected to raise water levels in major rivers, including the Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum, as well as their adjoining streams and tributaries.
Commissioners, deputy commissioners, and all relevant departments have been directed to remain on high alert, according to the advisory.
The current monsoon season has already caused widespread devastation across Pakistan, with urban flooding, flash floods, and landslides leading to more than 300 deaths, dozens missing, and significant damage to infrastructure.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, a major tourist region, flash floods and landslides last month claimed at least 10 lives and injured four others, Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan confirmed. The flooding was triggered by intense monsoon rains that also damaged homes, roads, and water channels in the region.
