The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has sounded an urgent alert for Punjab floods after India released more water into major rivers. Officials fear that the situation could worsen in the coming days.
PDMA Director-General Irfan Kathia said India released a fresh wave of water into the Chenab River without prior notice. This unexpected release raised fears of a dangerous surge. He confirmed that water was discharged from Salal Dam, Nangal Dam, and Harike Barrage. A major rise in the Chenab River is expected as the fresh wave from Salal Dam moves downstream.
The authority warned that the additional inflow into the Chenab and Sutlej rivers could hit hard in Ganda Singh Wala, Wazirabad, Hafizabad, and Sialkot. A large flood surge is expected to reach Marala Headworks within two days. Kathia added that administrations of the concerned districts are now on high alert to counter the threat.
The flood situation in Punjab has already worsened. Water levels in Ravi and Chenab continue to rise in Khanewal at Head Sidhnai, Bagar Sargana, and Fazil Shah. The Punjab floods have destroyed thousands of acres of crops. More than two million people have been displaced, while thousands have moved to relief camps for safety.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also issued an alert for Sindh. According to the NDMA, a flood surge between 800,000 and 1.1 million cusecs is likely to hit Guddu Barrage between September 5 and 6.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the provincial government is ready to deal with the challenge. He stressed that protecting lives and livestock is the top priority. The Punjab floods have already created havoc, and authorities fear that the super flood in Sindh may add to the disaster.
