LAHORE: Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high-level flood alert for the next 36 hours following reports that India has opened all spillways of the Salal Dam without prior notification, leading to the release of a massive flood wave into the Chenab River.
While talking to local news channel, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has said that local administrations in vulnerable districts have been placed on high alert. A major flood wave is expected to reach Head Marala within the next two days, which could cause the water level in the Chenab River to rise to dangerously high levels.
The situation has escalated as India failed to notify Pakistan in advance of the latest water release, a departure from previous instances where prior warnings were issued.
The current release is estimated to be around 800,000 cusecs, which is expected to first impact areas in Punjab before flowing into the Indus River.
The development has raised serious concerns about India’s continued water aggression, with officials calling the unannounced release a clear violation of water-sharing norms.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued additional alerts, warning of widespread heavy rainfall across the country. The agency forecasts urban flooding in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat divisions from September 1 to 3, along with the risk of flooding in rivers and streams due to intense downpours in central and northern Punjab.
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The PMD has specifically warned of moderate to extremely high flood levels in the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Chenab rivers during this period.
Authorities have urged residents in low-lying and riverine areas to stay vigilant and follow instructions from local officials as the situation develops.
