ISLAMABAD: India has officially informed Pakistan about the increasing flood levels in the River Sutlej, prompting Pakistani authorities to issue a flood alert.
The Indian High Commission in Islamabad shared details of heavy flooding at Harike Barrage (Lower) and Ferozepur (Lower) on the Sutlej River, along with warnings of high flood levels in the River Tawi at Jammu.
In response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources directed all concerned departments to remain on alert, while monitoring of water flows has been intensified, particularly in areas along the Sutlej.
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) also forecast heavy rains across multiple districts of the province until September 5, cautioning that the situation could worsen flooding in various regions.
According to PDMA data, the water flow in the River Chenab has been recorded at 468,000 cusecs at Marala Headworks, 339,470 cusecs at Khanki, 232,450 cusecs at Qadirabad, and 108,343 cusecs at Chiniot Bridge. At Trimmu Headworks, the Chenab is flowing at 355,744 cusecs.
In the River Ravi, flows have reached 71,010 cusecs at Jassar, 54,190 cusecs at Siphon, 53,630 cusecs at Shahdara, 117,655 cusecs at Balloki, and 193,470 cusecs at Sadhnai Headworks.
Meanwhile, the River Sutlej has recorded 269,501 cusecs at G.S. Wala, 122,736 cusecs at Sulemanki, 95,727 cusecs at Islam Headworks, and 182,107 cusecs at Panjnad.
The PDMA has warned that continued rainfall and rising water levels could endanger low-lying villages and nearby agricultural land. Rescue teams have been placed on standby to respond to any emergency.