ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday issued a high flood advisory for the River Chenab, warning that elevated water levels are expected to persist over the next six to eight hours before gradually receding as rainfall across the upper catchment continues to decrease.
According to the PMD’s Flood Forecasting Division, heavy rainfall over the River Chenab catchment, combined with prevailing hydrometeorological conditions and weather radar observations from Sialkot, has triggered high flood conditions in the river.
The department said that although rainfall has subsided across the major sub-catchments, river flows are expected to remain high for the next several hours before gradually declining if the current weather trend continues.
The advisory stated that the River Chenab at Marala is likely to remain at a high flood level during the next six to eight hours, while Khanki and Qadirabad are expected to experience high flood levels within the next 10 to 18 hours.
The PMD warned that low-lying riverine (Kacha) areas adjacent to the Chenab could face hazardous conditions and urged residents to avoid unnecessary movement near riverbanks and flood-prone locations while water levels remain high.
It also cautioned that standing crops, fodder fields and livestock in floodplain areas may remain vulnerable to inundation until river levels begin to recede. In addition, low-lying roads, river crossings, embankment approaches and transport routes near the river may experience localized disruptions during the period of high flows.
The Flood Forecasting Division said it will continue to closely monitor hydrometeorological conditions, river flows and weather radar data, and will issue further updates if the situation changes.
The PMD has advised provincial and district administrations, irrigation departments and other relevant authorities to maintain heightened vigilance and continuously monitor official flood forecasts and river conditions in the affected areas.
The advisory covers the River Chenab and adjoining riverine areas impacted by recent heavy rainfall over the upper catchment.
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