PMD warns of river floods

Situation in Ravi, Sutlej depends on water releases by India

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning of high and very high levels of floods in rivers and streams across Punjab.

In its report released by the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) on Monday, the department stated that a deep trough of westerly wave, combined with strong incursion of monsoon currents and an approaching upper air circulation, is expected to result in widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy falls at scattered places, over the upper catchments of the Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab and to some extent over River Jhelum.

According to the report, the meteorological conditions are likely to cause very high to exceptionally high-level flooding in River Chenab, while the flood situation in the Ravi and Sutlej will depend on water releases by India.

Furthermore, high to very high-level flooding is expected in the streams of rivers Ravi and Chenab.

The report also predicts scattered wind, thunderstorms and rain in the upper catchment areas of rivers Indus, Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi with widespread wind and thunderstorms in the catchment areas of Sutlej within the next 24 hours.

It revealed that River Chenab at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad is at a medium flood level, while all other major rivers are flowing normally.

Medium to high-level flooding is anticipated in River Ravi at Jassar and moderate flooding in the nullahs of the river.

Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the flood situation in the province was currently under control.

In a tweet, he highlighted that the Chenab river was experiencing moderate flood with the water flow ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 cusecs at Khanki and Qadirabad. He said the government was closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of the people.

The irrigation department and other relevant authorities are providing updates on water levels in rivers every six hours.

Officials of the departments concerned informed The Express Tribune that the water level in the Ravi was gradually increasing despite the release of 185,000 cubic feet of water into other rivers. The district administration has instructed residents living near the banks of the river and highly vulnerable areas to evacuate immediately.

However, local residents said that apart from demolishing temporary houses, no other action had been taken by the administration. People were reluctant to leave their homes, which posed a risk of loss of life and property if more water was released from the Indian side.

The Ravi River at Shahdara was flowing at 2,000 cusecs, while the flow towards Lahore at the location of the river bridge was 60,000 cussecs.

It is expected that when it reaches Shahdara, there will be a record flow.

The moderate flood level in the river is 140,000 cusecs and high-level flood 190,000 cubic feet per second. This excess water may damage life and property.

The Lahore deputy commissioner stated that the flood situation in the city was under control.

According to the official, the Ravi was flowing as usual and temporary encroachments on its course had been cleared. A warning has been issued to all people to vacate the areas immediately so that they can be saved from the dangers of flooding.

The authorities were in contact with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and other relevant departments. The DC said the flood situation was being monitored to effectively cope with any crisis.

On the other hand, as soon as news of the flood situation in the Ravi spread, a large number of people reached the river bridge to view the flow.

Some families also arrived at the river for picnic, enjoying boat rides.

Rescue 1122 set up an emergency camp along the river, where life jackets, boats and a team of 40 staff members was deployed to handle any emergency situation.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2023.