Monday witnessed a minor flood situation at Chashma Barrage in Punjab due to the release of water from India. However, the possibility of a decrease in downstream flow in the Indus River in the upcoming days is foreseen.
Currently, the combined flow of river water is 425,000 cusecs, and the stored water is quantified at 82 lakh acre feet.
The increased water discharge from India has led to a surge in the Chenab River’s flow at different headworks: 169,000 cusecs at Marala, 193,000 at Khanki, 194,000 at Kadirabad, and 33,000 at Tareemo.
Additionally, the water flow at Tarbela in the Indus River and Nowshera in the Kabul River registers 153,000 cusecs and 56,000 cusecs, respectively.
In the Indus River at Kalabagh, the water flow measures 210,000 cusecs, and 226,000 cusecs have been observed at the Taunsa Barrage.
Moreover, the Guddu Barrage reports an inflow of 188,700 cusecs, the Sukkur Barrage documents a flow of 144,000 cusecs, and 29,000 cusecs of water is currently moving towards the sea.
Prime Minister’s Directives and Appreciation
Simultaneously, a joint rescue mission by Punjab Rangers and Rescue 1122 saved 223 people caught in the flood waters in Tehsil Shakargarh. The floodwater, originating from India, trapped many people, including children and women, while working in the fields.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed concerned authorities to ensure robust preparations to manage potential flood scenarios in the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers. He emphasized the need for adequate preparation for swift and secure evacuation and raising awareness among inhabitants of the likely affected areas.
The prime minister expressed his gratitude towards the Rangers and Rescue 1122 teams for their timely intervention and help evacuating those stranded in the flood waters in Shakargarh. He lauded their quick response that saved numerous lives, including those of women and children, and stated, “I, along with the entire nation, salute our dedicated personnel for their services”.
