Rivers, dams pushed to flood stage

Authorities warn against increasing pressure downstream with heavy downpours expected to continue

ISLAMABAD:

Intense rains on Tuesday pushed rivers and dams to flood stage as officials warned more wet weather was on the horizon amid a continuous onrush of water from upstream.

A parade of rainstorms has filled the catchment areas of the Tarbela and Mangla dams, with water in both reservoirs reaching maximum level.

While thick clouds remain visible over parts of Punjab indicating more monsoon winds, water released from the dams will eventually reach the Indus River, which has already been in flood.

The PDMA spokesperson said fresh spell of rain is likely to start on July 27. However, he said, the monsoon rains will not be as intense as before.