The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has said that flood conditions continue to persist in several rivers across Punjab due to monsoon rains, while water flows remained stable during the last 24 hours.
According to PDMA Punjab, low-level flooding has been reported in the Indus River at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa points. The water flow at Kalabagh was recorded at 273,000 cusecs, while Chashma recorded 313,000 cusecs and Taunsa Barrage witnessed a flow of 364,000 cusecs.
The flood situation in the Chenab River has started improving, with the river now at a low flood level. Low-level flooding has been reported at Khanki, Qadirabad and Trimmu points. The water flow at Khanki was recorded at 120,000 cusecs, Qadirabad at 123,000 cusecs and Trimmu at 184,000 cusecs, while the flow at Marala remained normal.
PDMA said water levels in the Sutlej and Jhelum rivers remained normal. Meanwhile, the Ravi River was experiencing a medium-level flood situation at Sidhnaai, where the water flow was recorded at 60,000 cusecs. Water flow remained normal at Jassar, Shahdara and Balloki points.
The authority further stated that a high-level flood situation has been reported in the Wazirabad Nullah Palkhu, while low-level flooding persists in Narowal’s Nullah Basantar. The water flow in Nullah Palkhu was recorded at 5,000 cusecs and in Nullah Basantar at 3,000 cusecs.
PDMA said increased water flow in rivers was caused by rainfall in upper areas. However, rains in the upper catchment areas of the Chenab River have stopped, resulting in a decline in flood intensity over the past 24 hours.
PDMA Director General Umar Abbas Meela urged people living in riverbeds to immediately move to safer locations, saying that the Punjab government has completed arrangements in areas likely to be affected by floods.
He said all basic facilities and medicines would be provided at flood relief camps. The PDMA DG advised citizens to adopt precautionary measures amid the prevailing weather and flood situation and avoid recreational activities near rivers, canals and streams.
Umar Abbas further directed authorities to ensure the availability of standard boats and life jackets for river crossings. He also urged parents to take special care of children and prevent them from bathing in rivers, streams and drains.
