ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a high-flood alert for the Ravi River after India released additional water into the tributary, raising concerns of potential large-scale flooding across Punjab.
Furthermore, this development comes during a devastating monsoon season that has already seen record rainfall, glacier melt, and widespread flooding, exposing Pakistan’s heightened vulnerability to climate change. The latest warning has prompted provincial authorities to step up precautionary measures and initiate mass evacuations in flood-prone areas.
The NDMA warned of heavy rainfall in the upper regions of the Ravi over the next 48 hours. It stated that the Thein Dam in India had reached 97 percent of its capacity, and its spillways could be opened at any time.
In this regard, the authority said that high flood levels were expected in the Ravi River, as well as in tributaries including Pir Panjal, Bain, Basantar, and Deek. Citizens were urged to stay away from rivers, drains, and low-lying areas, and to avoid unnecessary travel.
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) mentioned that India had opened all gates of the Thein Dam, releasing 210,000 cusecs of water into Pakistan from Kot Ninan.
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Meanwhile, the Sutlej River also witnessed dangerous levels, with Kasur Division officials reporting a “very high flood” at 208,973 cusecs and rising. NDMA data showed that nearly 150,000 people had already been relocated to safer areas following early warnings.
