The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) warned on March 7, 2025, that Pakistan’s two lifeline dams, Tarbela and Mangla, are teetering on the edge of dead levels.
With a 30-35% water shortage looming for the remainder of the Rabi season, the Pakistan Dam Crisis threatens Punjab and Sindh hardest. IRSA rolled out a new distribution plan and alerted provincial governments to brace for lean flows.
Tarbela’s at 1,409.50 feet just 7.5 feet above its 1,402-foot dead mark while Mangla’s 1,088.45 feet hovers 38 feet over its 1,050-foot limit. “We’re releasing only what we get,” IRSA said, urging irrigation departments to act fast.
Without rain, both could hit rock bottom in 3-4 days. Punjab’s already down 20% this season (40,000 cusecs vs. 45,000 demand), and Sindh’s short 16% (25,000 cusecs vs. 27,000). Rain’s the wild card, hope hangs on the forecast.
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Recent rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) killed four and injured nine, per the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), damaging 14 homes across Haripur, Bajaur, and more. Heavy downpours and snow in Swat, Mansehra, Chitral, and landslides blocking the Karakoram Highway hint at relief potential. Balochistan’s north, including Chaman, also caught a wet wave. Could this ease the Pakistan Dam Crisis? IRSA’s watching every drop.
The Pakistan Dam Crisis: Tarbela and Mangla are on the brink, which spells trouble for millions.
