LAHORE: A second major flood surge released by India from the Salal Dam has entered Pakistani territory through the Chenab River, prompting authorities to intensify monitoring and precautionary evacuations as water levels continue to rise in several downstream areas.
According to the Punjab Irrigation Department, the latest flood wave has caused a sharp increase in the Chenab’s water level, with officials warning that river flows could rise further over the next few hours as the surge moves downstream.
The Flood Forecasting Division reported that high-level flooding has been recorded at Head Marala, where the second flood wave entered Pakistan, while downstream areas are being closely monitored for any further escalation.
The fresh inflow comes as authorities have already been on high alert following recent monsoon rains that swelled rivers across Punjab. Disaster management agencies have intensified surveillance, including drone monitoring at key barrages and headworks, to track the movement of floodwaters and coordinate timely response measures.
Floodwaters have begun inundating low-lying areas in Mianwali village of Chiniot district and adjoining localities, forcing residents of several villages in Bhawana tehsil to leave their homes and move to safer locations.
In Sambal village, floodwater has entered residential areas, while officials fear additional losses due to ongoing riverbank erosion.
Further downstream, water levels continue to rise at Khanki Barrage in Wazirabad, where authorities expect a major flood wave to pass. As a precaution, residents of Rana Bahram, Loware Wala and other riverside settlements are being relocated to safer places.
Officials also reported low-level flooding in the Chenab River near Pindi Bhattian, while elevated water levels in Jalalpur Bhattian have damaged standing rice and fodder crops, raising concerns over agricultural losses.
The Irrigation Department has urged district administrations to remain on high alert and continue evacuation efforts in vulnerable areas, warning that the situation could change rapidly as the latest flood surge travels through the Chenab River system.
Residents living along the riverbanks have been advised to closely follow official advisories and cooperate with local authorities and rescue agencies as precautionary measures remain in force.
