Shafaqna Pakistan: The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a detailed assessment of river flows and water storage levels across the country, warning of a possible rise in water levels in several major rivers over the coming days.
According to the NEOC, low-level flooding is currently being observed in the Indus River at Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa and Guddu, while water flows in the Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum, Kabul and Sutlej rivers remain within normal levels. Flows in the mountain drains of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, including Nala Lai, have also been reported as normal.
The NDMA said water flows in major rivers could increase on August 8 and 9, with low-level flood conditions potentially developing at Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa, Guddu and Sukkur along the Indus, Marala on the Chenab and Baloki on the Ravi.
The report also forecast low-level flows in the upper reaches of the Jhelum River, around Mangla Dam and in adjoining waterways. Similar conditions were expected at Adizai on the Kabul River.
The NDMA has warned that there is a risk of low to medium flooding in the rivers and storm drains of Chitral, Upper Dir, Abbottabad, Shangla, Khyber, Orakzai, Kohat, Tank, and North and South Waziristan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
There is a risk of flash flooding in Bagh and Kotli in Azad Kashmir, and there is also a risk of flash flooding in Zhob, Musakhel, Kohlu, Barkhan and Dera Bugti in Balochistan.
In Punjab, low to medium flood risk has been indicated in the urban areas of Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Okara and Lahore, in addition to the mountain rain drains of DG Khan and Rajanpur.
According to NDMA, the water level in Tarbela Dam was recorded at 1,548 feet and the water storage was 97.94 percent, compared to 95.98 percent in the same period last year. The water level in Mangla Dam was recorded at 1,205.2 feet and the storage was 62.99 percent, compared to 62.80 percent last year.
Local administrations have been instructed to move necessary resources to sensitive areas in advance and ensure safe evacuation arrangements are in place.
The NDMA has directed the public to avoid crossing flood drains, flooded roads, bridges and fast flowing water and to follow the issued traffic instructions. Residents, tourists and travelers in flood-prone areas have also been instructed to stay away from the banks of rivers and drains.
According to the NDMA, the risk of landslides, debris flows and flash floods increases in mountainous areas during the monsoon. The public should be aware of the latest weather forecast and road conditions before traveling and avoid unnecessary travel in case of heavy rain or any potential hazard warning.
The public has been warned not to cross floodwaters or fast flowing water on foot or by vehicle, as even shallow fast flowing water can be extremely dangerous to humans and vehicles.
The NDMA says that during the monsoon, the flow of rainwater streams and rivers may suddenly increase, so special precautions should be taken during tourist activities and stay away from fast-flowing water.
Instructions have been issued to follow the instructions of the relevant agencies, avoid traveling on roads closed by the administration, and take precautionary measures. The NDMA is providing continuous and timely information and alerts to the relevant agencies regarding potential threats.
The public has also been instructed to use NDMA’s official app “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” to obtain timely information.
