— India’s sudden release of water causes severe flooding in Punjab
— Widespread rains likely to lash most parts of the country
ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday issued an advisory for potential heavy rains and flash flooding in many parts of the country, anticipating that severe weather conditions expected to persist until August 19.
In the advisory issued here, the NDMA forecast widespread thunderstorm rain in Sindh, South Punjab and Balochistan, potentially leading to flash floods.
“Widespread thunderstorm rain of moderate to heavy intensity with scattered very heavy and isolated extremely heavy falls is expected over Sindh along DG Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Zhob, Loralai, Nasirabad, Sibbi, Kalat and Makran Divisions,” it stated.
Moreover, the authority said, medium to high level flash flooding is expected in the hill torrents of DG Khan division and in the Nullahs of Sibbi, Nasirabad, Zhob, Kalat Larkana and Hyderabad (Dadu and Naushahro Feroze Districts) Divisions from August 17 to August 19.
The NDMA has also issued instructions to all relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the possible effects of flooding and severe weather.
The departments have been directed to enhance monitoring of developing situation to reduce response times.
All civic agencies and rescue services are directed to remain alert and ensure availability of personnel and equipment during the mentioned period, especially in at-risk areas.
The NDMA also asked the departments to timely evacuate people living along low-lying/flood prone areas and ensure availability of shelter, food and medicines in those camps.
Meanwhile, the authority also warned locals and farmers to shift cattle away from low lying areas adjacent to rivers and their associated tributaries/nullahs.
The power distribution companies (Discos) and relevant local departments have been directed to ensure necessary arrangements to avoid electrocution incidents and timely restoration of power supply.
They have also been directed to coordinate with concerned departments for clearance of roads in case of any blockage and obstruction, waterlogging and pre-placing of necessary emergency equipment at vulnerable and appropriate locations.
India’s sudden release of water causes severe flooding in Punjab
India has released a massive amount of water into the Ravi and Chenab rivers without prior notice, leading to devastating floods across Punjab.
This sudden surge of water has submerged thousands of villages and affected vast swaths of farmland, causing widespread destruction.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported that water levels at the Qadirabad Barrage on the Chenab River are rising rapidly. Additionally, a flow of 40,000 to 50,000 cusecs of water is expected at Shahdara in the Ravi River.
In response to this alarming situation, the PDMA has issued a low-level flood warning for the Ravi River, advising residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate to safer locations.
The sudden release of water by India has sparked concerns of significant flooding in Punjab’s rivers and canals. The PDMA has warned that the water level in the Chenab River could increase to between 200,000 and 250,000 cusecs, potentially leading to a high-level flood within the next 24 hours.
In response to the crisis, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert. She has also ordered continuous monitoring of flood-prone areas, including Narowal, Sialkot, Shakargarh, and other cities.
Tragically, the floods have already claimed lives. In Zafarwal, near Narowal, three young men drowned in a flooded canal. Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of two of the victims, while the search for the third is underway. The victims were residents of the village of Nangal Sudkan.
Meanwhile, a low-level flood has been declared in Sehwan, where floodwaters have inundated uncultivated land and several villages. Approximately 300,000 cusecs of water are currently flowing towards the Kotri Barrage from the Indus River, further escalating the risk of widespread flooding.
As the situation continues to unfold, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has emphasized the need for vigilance and prompt action to mitigate the impact of the floods. She has urged authorities to prioritize the safety of residents and ensure that relief efforts are swiftly implemented.
