Authorities have issued a high alert across several districts of Punjab after India released a significant volume of water from the Salal Dam into the Chenab River, triggering a sharp rise in water levels.
The water flow at Head Marala surged from 3,100 cusecs to nearly 28,000 cusecs, raising fears of flooding in downstream areas and prompting emergency preparedness measures, according to media reports.
According to the Punjab Irrigation Department, the release of water from the Salal Dam is expected to significantly increase the flow of the Chenab River, raising the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. In response, the administrations of several districts, including Sialkot and Wazirabad, have been placed on high alert.
The Irrigation Department said all relevant agencies have been directed to take precautionary measures to deal with any emergency, while the water level in the Chenab River is being closely monitored.
Assistant Commissioner Wazirabad Jawad Pirzada said the next 48 hours are critical, as a major flood wave is expected to pass through the Chenab River during this period.
He added that the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned of the possibility of significant flooding. The district administration has instructed all concerned departments to remain fully prepared for any emergency. Residents have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel near the riverbanks and to follow all official safety advisories.
On the other hand, torrential monsoon rains have caused widespread devastation across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, triggering flash floods, overflowing rivers, house collapses, and extensive damage to infrastructure and crops.
At least 26 people have died and more than 50 others have been injured in rain-related incidents, while authorities have warned of possible landslides and flash flooding in the mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), 18 people were killed and 19 others injured in various incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The victims included seven men, eight children, and three women, while the injured comprised 11 men, four women, and four children.
The PDMA said that 28 houses have been affected by the heavy rains and flash floods so far. Of these, six houses were destroyed, while 22 sustained partial damage.
The rain-related incidents were reported in Peshawar, Nowshera, Khyber, Mardan, Buner, Bajaur, Shangla, Swabi, Lower Chitral, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Torghar, Kurram, and North Waziristan.
In a separate incident, the roof of a house collapsed during heavy rainfall in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan, killing four members of the same family. The deceased included a husband, his wife, and their two children.
Read more: Pakistan condemns Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia, Red Sea shipping
