NDMA raises alarm over Swat River surge

Places river in 'high flood' category'

ISLAMABAD:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued a high-flood alert for the Swat River, after water discharge at the Munda Headworks surged to 101,205 cusecs.

The authority placed the river in the "high flood" category, prompting authorities to maintain heightened vigilance across the northern belt.

According to the NDMA, the rapid rise in water levels has necessitated urgent precautionary measures, with residents in vulnerable areas strongly advised to prepare for possible evacuation.

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned of low-to-medium level flooding across several barrages in the province, urging people living inside riverbeds to move to safer ground without delay as a preventive step.

A PDMA spokesperson said the Indus River is experiencing a medium-level flood at Chashma Barrage, while low-level flood conditions persist at Tarbela, Kalabagh and Taunsa.

In the Chenab River, the flow has receded at Marala Barrage but is rising at Head Khanki, where low-level flooding continues.

Water levels are also increasing in the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala (Kasur), with a discharge of 64,000 cusecs resulting in low-level flood conditions.

According to the officials, the protective embankment at the site has been impacted by the surge, clarifying that it is only a temporary structure built to tame the flow.

Similarly, low-level flooding continues in the Ravi River's Bein Nullah at Shakargarh, although the flow remains stable. No flow has been reported in the major hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan Division.

Tarbela Dam is 96% full and Mangla Dam has reached 67% capacity, with water levels recorded at 1,546.50 feet and 1,209.35 feet, respectively.

The PDMA DG urged the public to take all necessary precautions, emphasising that individuals residing within riverbeds must immediately relocate to safe locations and cooperate with authorities in the event of emergency evacuations.