India has once again used water as a weapon by releasing water from the Bhakra Dam after the Salal Dam, raising concerns over possible flooding downstream.
According to media reports, the next 24 hours are considered critical, with a risk of flooding in the Sutlej River. Districts including Kasur and Okara, along with several other areas, are likely to be affected.
The flow of water in the Chenab River has also increased significantly. Moderate to high flooding is expected at Head Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad. Flood conditions are also developing at Head Balloki and Sulemanki, while low-level flooding is expected at Mangla and Trimmu.
Water flow at Head Panjnad has risen sharply from 17,000 cusecs to 80,000 cusecs and is expected to reach 140,000 cusecs within the next few hours.
In Jhang, floodwaters have entered nearby settlements, while several villages in Chiniot have been inundated. In Pasrur, breaches in embankments continue to cause damage, and agricultural land has been affected due to the collapse of protective dykes.
In Layyah, erosion along the Indus River has intensified in the low-lying Samra Nasheeb area. Two government schools are at risk of being washed away, while the evacuation of residents from the Kinjal settlement is currently underway.
On the other hand, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a fresh flood update, warning of moderate flooding in the River Chenab at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot bridges.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), Pulkho Nallah in Wazirabad is also experiencing moderate flood conditions, with authorities closely monitoring the rising water levels.
According to the report, moderate flooding has been recorded in the River Chenab at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot bridges, while Pulkho Nallah at Wazirabad is also experiencing moderate flood conditions.
Meanwhile, low-level flooding continues at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa on the River Indus; Marala and Trimmu on the River Chenab; Balloki and Sidhnai on the River Ravi; and Nowshera on the River Kabul. Low-level flood conditions have also been reported at Nallah Aik and Pulkho Nallah Cantt Bridge. The hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur are currently flowing within normal limits.
Read more: NDMA issues fresh flood alert as Chenab water levels rise
