ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a fresh flood alert, warning of a possible increase in water flows in major rivers and the risk of low to medium-level flooding in several parts of the country amid the ongoing monsoon spell.
According to the latest assessment by the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), low-level flooding is currently being reported in the Indus River at Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa and Guddu, while flows in the Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum, Kabul and Sutlej rivers remain within normal range.
The NDMA said water flows in the mountain torrents and drains of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, including Nallah Lai, are also currently normal.
However, a rise in flows in major rivers is expected during Aug 8-9, with authorities warning of possible localized flooding.
Low-level flooding is likely to persist or develop at Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa, Guddu and Sukkur along the Indus, while similar conditions are expected at Marala on the Chenab and Balloki on the Ravi.
The upper catchment areas of the Jhelum, Mangla Dam and adjoining streams could also experience increased flows, while Adizai on the Kabul River is also vulnerable to low-level flooding.
Flash flood risk in mountainous areas
The NDMA has warned of low to medium-level flooding in rivers and rain-fed streams in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Upper Dir, Abbottabad, Shangla, Khyber, Orakzai, Kohat, Tank and North and South Waziristan.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bagh and Kotli face a risk of low to medium-level flash flooding, while in Balochistan, similar conditions are possible in Zhob, Musakhel, Kohlu, Barkhan and Dera Bugti.
In Punjab, the mountain torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur remain vulnerable to low to medium-level flooding.
The authority has also warned of possible urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Okara and Lahore, particularly if heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems.
Tarbela storage nears full capacity
The NDMA also released updated data on water storage in the country’s major reservoirs.
The water level at Tarbela Dam was recorded at 1,548 feet, with storage reaching 97.94 per cent of capacity, compared with 95.98pc during the corresponding period last year.
At Mangla Dam, the water level stood at 1,205.2 feet, with storage at 62.99pc, slightly higher than the 62.80pc recorded last year.
In view of the forecast, the NDMA has directed local administrations to pre-position essential resources in vulnerable areas and make arrangements for the safe evacuation of residents if required.
The authority advised residents of flood-prone areas, tourists and travellers to remain particularly cautious during the monsoon.
People have been urged to avoid rivers, streams and other waterways, while travellers should check the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out.
The NDMA also warned of an increased risk of landslides, debris flows and flash floods in mountainous areas during periods of heavy rainfall.
Citizens have been advised against crossing flooded roads, bridges, streams or rapidly flowing water either on foot or in vehicles.
The NDMA stressed that even apparently shallow, fast-moving floodwater can be dangerous enough to sweep away people and vehicles.
Authorities have urged the public to follow traffic advisories and official warnings, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and immediately comply with evacuation instructions in the event of an emergency.
