LAHORE — The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab, Pakistan, has issued a flood alert for its rivers. The warning comes amid predictions of heavy monsoon rains and the potential for India to release water from its dams, which are nearing full capacity.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, officials are concerned about an “unusual increase in water levels” in key Indian dams. The Bhakra, Pong, and Thein dams have reached 61%, 76%, and 64% of their total capacity, respectively. There is a specific fear that India may release water into the Sutlej River within the next two days, which would significantly increase water flow in the region.
PDMA Director General, Imran Ali Sultan, confirmed that the situation of rivers and dams is being monitored 24/7. The agency has issued a warning for a medium to high-level flood in the Chenab River and anticipates further increases in the Sutlej.
This flood alert coincides with a new, seventh spell of monsoon rains expected to hit the province starting August 13. The heavy rainfall is likely to cause water levels to rise in major rivers, including the Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum, as well as their associated streams and tributaries.
Commissioners, deputy commissioners, and other relevant departments have been instructed to remain on high alert to prepare for the potential flooding. The new spell of rain follows a period of devastating monsoon activity across Pakistan, which has already caused over 300 deaths from urban flooding, flash floods, and landslides, and damaged critical infrastructure. The northern region of Gilgit Baltistan has been particularly hard-hit, with a death toll of at least 10 people and four others injured from flash floods and landslides last month.
