Flood alert issued as Indus and Chenab rivers reach low levels

According to the PDMA, low-level flooding has been recorded at Kalabagh on the Indus River and at Khanki on the Chenab River, while water levels at most other rivers across Punjab remain within the normal range.

The authority said water inflow at Kalabagh has reached 269,000 cusecs, while outflow stands at 262,000 cusecs. At Khanki, inflow has been recorded at 113,000 cusecs, while outflow stands at 106,000 cusecs.

PDMA officials said water levels remain normal at Marala, Trimmu, Panjnad and Qadirabad on the Chenab River. River flows are also normal at Jassar, Shahdara, Sidhnai and Balloki on the Ravi River, as well as at Ganda Singh Wala, Sulemanki and Head Islam on the Sutlej River.

The authority added that water levels at Tarbela, Taunsa and Chashma on the Indus River, along with the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, remain within the normal range. The PDMA has warned that water levels in Punjab’s rivers could rise by July 24. Flood alerts have also been issued for streams linked to the Ravi and Chenab rivers, including Basantar, Deg, Aik, Palkhu, Bhimber, Halsi and Dora.

Also Read: Punjab rain forecast warns of more downpours across Lahore

A flash flood warning has also been issued for the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan due to the risk of heavy rainfall. Authorities have also warned of possible urban flooding in the divisions of Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sargodha, Okara, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Rawalpindi if heavy rainfall continues.

PDMA Director General Umar Abbas has directed residents living near riverbeds to move to safer locations immediately. He said flood relief camps have been established in vulnerable areas, where food, medicines and other essential facilities will be available. He also urged the public to avoid unnecessary visits to rivers, canals and streams and advised parents to keep their children away from bathing in flowing water to prevent accidents.