ISLAMABAD: Monsoon rains have significantly improved water levels in Pakistan’s rivers and reservoirs, with Tarbela Dam reaching its maximum storage capacity, while the water level at Mangla Dam has risen to around 68 percent.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), low-level flooding has been reported in the Indus River at Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa. Low-level flooding is also expected in the Ravi and Chenab rivers over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The Met Office has warned that medium-level flooding could develop in streams and nullahs connected to the Ravi and Chenab rivers from August 17 to 19 due to anticipated rainfall in their catchment areas.
Widespread Rain Forecast
The PMD has forecast rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms in Islamabad, Kashmir and several parts of Punjab during the next 24 hours.
Rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Sheikhupura, while heavy rainfall has been forecast for several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Abbottabad and Haripur.
Rain is also likely in the upper catchment areas of the Indus River, as well as in Dera Ghazi Khan, Mianwali and Musa Khel in Balochistan.
The weather department has forecast widespread heavy rainfall across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad and Kashmir during the next 48 hours. A heavy rainfall alert has also been issued for the upper catchments of the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers.
Rain Expected in GB and Balochistan
In Gilgit-Baltistan, thunderstorms and rain are expected in Astore, Diamer, Gilgit and Skardu districts.
Several other districts of Punjab, including Chiniot, Faisalabad, Nankana Sahib and Okara, are also likely to receive rainfall.
Meanwhile, authorities in Barkhan and Sherani districts of Balochistan have been directed to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures in view of the expected rainfall.
The anticipated rise in river and nullah flows has prompted authorities to maintain close monitoring, particularly in low-lying areas and communities located near waterways. Residents are advised to follow official weather and flood warnings and avoid unnecessary travel near rivers, streams and flood-prone areas during periods of heavy rainfall.
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