Flood warning issued for Hazara division

The Tarbela Dam administration has warned that around 150,000 to 375,000 cusecs of water will pass through the dam. Therefore, the precautionary warnings have been issued regarding a flood likely to pass through Tarbela Dam.

Because of the heavy flood, the spillways of the dam will be opened, while they will also open the auxiliary spillway tunnel number five for the first time in the season to discharge water.

Tarbela Dam administration has also issued a letter to the deputy commissioner and other departments concerned to inform the citizens in this regard. According to the dam management spokesperson, the flow of water in the Indus River will fluctuate from 150,000 cusec feet to 375,000 cusec feet in the next 24 hours.

The citizens of adjoining villages have been warned to avoid visiting the dam and riverbank because of rising water levels. They have been advised not to let their children or pet animals go near the water.

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Excessive water discharge will also increase the flow of water in the Indus River, therefore, it has been advised to keep cattle away from the bank.

Section 144 has been enforced, banning swimming in rivers and dams, for three months. The citizens have been advised to follow the instructions to avoid any loss or untoward incident.

Meanwhile, the water level in Khanpur Dam is also rising rapidly due to rains. After which, Section 144 has been enforced on swimming in the dam water. The spillway of the reservoir will be opened if the water level rises.

The boating in Khanpur Dam will also be stopped and the operators will be warned not to take tourists to the deep waters because of the high water level in the dam.

Announcements will also be made from nearby mosques before the spillway opens.

Divers, including local police officers, have already been deployed along the dam to protect citizens

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2021.