India has released water from Pong Dam on the River Beas into the Sutlej, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab to issue a flood alert for the Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers, along with their connected drains and streams, ahead of a new monsoon spell starting August 13.
A low flood warning has been issued for the Sutlej, with the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) cautioning about possible flooding at Ganda Singh Wala headworks within the next 72 hours, where the river flow has already reached 29,000 cusecs.
The PDMA warns that incoming monsoon rains could further raise water levels in major rivers.
Authorities have directed district and divisional administrations to remain on high alert, while DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia urged the public to follow safety measures.
Recently, India also released water into the Chenab River without prior notice, causing the water level to rise sharply to 166,796 cusecs at Qadir Abad and reach medium flood level at Marala headworks with a flow of 176,000 cusecs.
This surge poses a threat to nearby villages, particularly around Jalalpur Bhattian, with the FFD warning of a possible further increase in the river’s flow.