Flood alert as India releases excess water

Mangla Dam reaches full capacity; authorities to release surplus through spillway

LAHORE:

The Mangla Dam has reached its maximum water capacity, prompting the authorities to decide to release the surplus water through a spillway, according to sources in the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda).

As of now, the water level in the dam has reached 1241.50 feet out of a maximum capacity of 1242 feet. The inflow of water into the dam stands at 28,000 cusecs, with 10,000 cusecs being released.

To prevent imminent flooding, the spillways of the dam will be opened tomorrow. The overflow of the dam comes as heavy rain continues to feed rivers and reservoirs.

Flood alert

In another concerning development, India has released 141,000 cusecs of water from the Pong Dam and an additional 83,703 cusecs from the Bhakhra Dam into the River Sutlej.

Read more: Punjab on high alert as India releases floodwater in Ravi

The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert, warning of medium to high floods in the river at Ganda Singh Wala and downstream areas over the next 24 hours.

The PDMA has also put districts on alert and has informed the administrations of districts along the River Sutlej about the situation. Director Nazia Jabeen has stressed the need for necessary arrangements to ensure the safety of public life and property.

Water levels are steadily increasing at Ganda Singh Wala, and this trend is expected to continue as India plans to release an additional 70,000 to 80,000 cusecs of water into the River Sutlej on a daily basis.

The PDMA anticipates that within two days, water flow at Ganda Singh Wala will exceed 100,000 cusecs.

Instructions have been issued to the Deputy Commissioners of Bahawalnagar, Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, and Vehari to make necessary preparations to handle any emergency situations that may arise due to the medium to high flood levels in the River Sutlej.