PDMA warns of rain-induced localised flooding

LAHORE:

Most rivers across Punjab are flowing at normal levels, while low to moderate flooding has been reported at a few locations, according to the PDMA.

A PDMA spokesperson said that water flow in the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers remains within the normal range.

However, the Indus River is experiencing low-level flooding at the Kalabagh and Chashma stations. Water discharge has been recorded at approximately 320,000 cusecs at Kalabagh and 274,000 cusecs at Chashma.

The authority also reported moderate flooding at Nala Palkhu near Wazirabad, where the water flow has reached 3,500 cusecs. Meanwhile, Nala Basantar and Nala Bein in Narowal district are witnessing low-level flooding.

According to the PDMA, water flow in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan remains normal.

The authority has forecast that the fourth spell of monsoon rains will continue until August 5, warning that expected rainfall in the upper catchment areas could increase water levels in the eastern rivers and adjoining streams.

PDMA Director General Saif Anwar warned of the possibility of urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Multan, while cautioning that landslides may occur in Murree, the Galiyat region, and other hilly areas.

He urged residents living in riverbeds and flood-prone areas to move immediately to safer locations. The Punjab government has established flood relief camps in affected areas.