ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday issued a fresh warning on the possibility of “low flood” in the Ravi River after India released about 185,000 cusecs of water from the Ujh Barrage.
Quoting the Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters (PCIW), the NDMA said: “About 65,000 cusecs are expected to arrive within the next 20-24 hours, going by previous records.”
The NDMA said this could cause low-level flooding in the flood plains of Punjab’s Jasar region.
Taking to its official Twitter handle, the Disaster Management Authority wrote: “According to PCIW, India has released about 185,000 cusecs of water from Ujh Barrage (Ravi River).
“According to the previous record, last year India also released 173,000 cusecs and about one-third of the released water i.e. 60,000 cusecs reached Jasar which caused the low flood level (gauging point on river Ravi).”
He further cautioned: “So as per PCIW, considering the previous record around 65,000 cusecs is expected to arrive within the next 20-24 hours.
“Potential Impact: According to the flood limits of the Ravi River at Jasr, lower floods are expected in the plains.”
However, the authority said that as per NDMA guidelines, the local administration was closely monitoring the situation till July 20. He further advised the public to be aware and follow the instructions of the concerned administration.
Meanwhile, the local administration and aid agencies have made arrangements to deal with any untoward situation.
According to reports, the water level in Ravi river has increased while flood warning has been issued in Hafizabad and Narowal and relief camps have been set up at various places along the banks of rivers and canals.
In addition, heavy rain is expected in Lahore, Sialkot and Narowal, leading to risk of flooding in Sutlej River and its associated tributaries including Bhimbar, Deg, Palkho and Basantar.
Gujarat Deputy Commissioner Safdar Hussain said that two relief camps have been set up near Kot Ghulam in view of the threat of flooding in Chenab river.
He said that the area from Kot Ghulam to Kot Nika has been affected by the flood, adding that administrative officers visited the spot and assessed the damage.
Additionally, the Gujarat DG said that the water flow at Head Marala on the Chenab River was recorded at 139,492 cusecs and 118,692 cusecs upstream. Hussain said that water flow is normal at all places, adding that Gujarat has recorded 10 mm of rain in the last 24 hours.
He added that the flow of water is being monitored regularly, and all departments are on alert to deal with emergency situations.
The Irrigation Department has said that the water situation in Sutlej River is normal.
Inflow of water in Islamabad head works is 3319 cusec while discharge is 2335 cusec.
The district administration says that residents of low-lying areas are being warned of possible flooding.
