Riverbank dwellers cautioned
High water level threatens the bridge over the Chenab river in Sialkot. The PDMA has issued a red alert to all government agencies and departments to take precautionary measures to avert losses. PHOTO: PPI
The Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) has warned residents of the areas surrounding the Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, Indus and Jhelum rivers to brace themselves for significant flood risks.
The latest weather forecast predicts scattered to widespread thunderstorms and rain of moderate to heavy intensity. There may be very heavy rainfall in some areas.
The weather report highlights the upper catchments of rivers Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab are expected to experience thunderstorms and rain, with the potential for isolated places to receive intense downpour.
The upper catchments of rivers Indus and Jhelum are also at risk of encountering scattered wind and thunderstorms along with moderate rainfall, with isolated areas experiencing heavy falls.
Given the prevailing weather conditions, there is a high likelihood of medium to high-level flooding in River Chenab.
Moreover, River Jhelum, upstream of Mangla, is expected to experience sharp peaks of medium to high-level flooding. Additionally, tributaries of rivers Ravi and Chenab, along with hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan division, are likely to witness medium-level flooding.
The department has highlighted that the situation in rivers Ravi and Sutlej will largely depend on the water releases from India.
Officials and residents in the areas were advised to closely monitor updates from relevant authorities and take necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property from potential flood risks.
Meanwhile, the Lahore Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) issued a warning of landslides, flash flooding and urban flooding in Punjab and Kashmir. The forecast indicated a significant risk of landslides and flash flooding in the regions, urging residents to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
The centre warned that major cities including Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rahim Yar Khan are at risk of urban flooding.
This warn extends from July 22 to 26, making it imperative for the authorities and citizens to be prepared for potential inundation in urban areas. Residents in vulnerable regions were urged to closely monitor official weather updates and reliable news sources.
Timely action could help mitigate the impact of the expected heavy rainfall and flooding, it asserted.
On the other hand, the water level is increasing continuously in the Sindh river that is in low flood at Bhakkar. The inflow of water at the spot is 364,700 cusecs and outflow 360,800 cusecs.
The local administration has set up six flood camps in the area and irrigation staff have been deputed at the embankment.
An official said all departments were on high alert for coping with the flood and essential equipment, including boats, had been sent to the riverbank.
There has been a significant increase in water flow in the Sindh river at Bhakkar in the past 36 hours.
With additional input from Rana Amir in Bhakkar
Published in The Express Tribune, July 23rd, 2023.