The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has warned of potential flooding in the province’s rivers due to heavy rains in upper regions and an anticipated water release from India. Officials fear that in the next two days, India may discharge water into the Sutlej River, as levels in Indian dams have risen significantly — Bhakra Dam at 61%, Pong Dam at 76%, and Thein Dam at 64% capacity.
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PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said the authority, in coordination with the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) and the Irrigation Department, is monitoring river and dam levels around the clock. While water levels in Sutlej at Ganda Singh have stabilised, a further surge remains possible. A medium-to-high flood warning has also been issued for River Chenab at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad.
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All commissioners, deputy commissioners, and relevant agencies have been placed on high alert. Citizens living in riverbeds have been urged to relocate to safe areas and avoid rivers, canals, and streams during this period. PDMA’s emergency helpline 1129 remains operational for immediate assistance.
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Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to enhance coordination with provinces for relief and rehabilitation of flood-affected communities. He stressed effective dissemination of early warnings, particularly in vulnerable areas. NDMA briefed him on ongoing relief work, the early warning system in Gilgit-Baltistan, and climate-related coordination measures.
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According to IRSA, 375,200 cusecs of water were released on Tuesday from various stations, with inflows of 400,000 cusecs. Major reservoirs at Tarbela and Mangla are well above dead levels, and significant releases were recorded from Indus, Jhelum, Kabul, and Chenab rivers, underscoring the heightened flood risk.
