Monsoon rains have changed water levels across Pakistan’s rivers and reservoirs, with Tarbela Dam reaching full capacity and Mangla Dam’s water level rising to 68%.
Low-level flooding has been reported in the Indus River at Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa. Authorities also expect low-level flooding in the Ravi and Chenab rivers over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of medium-level flooding in streams and nullahs linked to the Ravi and Chenab rivers from August 17 to 19.
The Met Office has forecast rain, strong winds and thunderstorms in Islamabad, Kashmir and several parts of Punjab during the next 24 hours. Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Sheikhupura are also likely to receive rain.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the weather department has issued a heavy rain alert for Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Abbottabad and Haripur.
Rain is also expected in the upper catchment areas of the Indus River, Dera Ghazi Khan, Mianwali and Musa Khel district of Balochistan.
The PMD has forecast widespread heavy rain across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad and Kashmir over the next 48 hours. It has also issued a heavy rainfall alert for the upper catchment areas of the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers.
Gilgit-Baltistan’s Astore, Diamer, Gilgit and Skardu districts are also likely to receive rain and thunderstorms. Several Punjab districts, including Chiniot, Faisalabad, Nankana Sahib and Okara, are also expected to see rainfall.
Authorities in Balochistan’s Barkhan and Sherani districts have been directed to remain alert and take precautionary measures as rain is expected in the areas.