ISLAMABAD: Flood conditions continued to prevail across several of Pakistan’s major rivers on Wednesday, with authorities warning of rising water levels in low-lying areas of the Indus, Chenab and Ravi river systems following increased upstream flows.
According to the latest flood bulletin issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore at 6:00am on July 22, moderate to high flood levels were recorded at several key locations, while a strong flood wave continued to move through the Chenab River.
The bulletin said floodwater was also flowing through the Ravi River, while the Indus River was experiencing moderate to high flooding at Tarbela, Kalabagh and Chashma. Flood conditions also persisted at Mangla on the Jhelum River.
River flow data showed significant inflows at major barrages and reservoirs, including:
- Tarbela (Indus): 308,000 cusecs
- Kalabagh (Indus): 317,306 cusecs
- Chashma (Indus): 295,446 cusecs
- Mangla (Jhelum): 76,000 cusecs
- Marala (Chenab): 128,128 cusecs
- Khanki (Chenab): 158,004 cusecs
- Qadirabad (Chenab): 157,757 cusecs
- Balloki (Ravi): 32,520 cusecs
- Sidhnai (Ravi): 19,146 cusecs
- Sulemanki (Sutlej): 19,093 cusecs
The official data further showed that Tarbela Dam’s water level stood at 1,514.1 feet, below its full reservoir level of 1,550 feet, while Mangla Dam’s water level was recorded at 1,181.1 feet, compared to its full conservation level of 1,242 feet.
The PMD warned that water levels could rise further in the Chenab, Ravi and Indus rivers, particularly in low-lying areas, due to ongoing rainfall and runoff from upper catchments. Provincial and district administrations have been directed to remain on high alert and strengthen preparedness measures in vulnerable regions.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid rivers, streams and flood channels, strictly follow instructions issued by local administrations and rescue agencies, and closely monitor official weather and flood advisories.
Besides these, people living in low-lying areas have also been advised to move to safer locations immediately if evacuation orders are issued.
The Flood Forecasting Division noted that the flood situation could change rapidly depending on rainfall in the upper catchments and prevailing weather conditions, advising citizens to remain updated through official PMD bulletins and emergency notifications.
