LAHORE:
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Friday reported an extremely high flood at Panjnad, where the water flow reached 679,000 cusecs, while river flows upstream of the headwork were gradually returning to normal.
The Federal Flood Commission (FFC) confirmed that an exceptionally high flood at Panjnad, a medium flood at Guddu and Sukkur barrages on the Indus. It said Guddu could face a very high flood within 48 hours.
The Sutlej at Sulemanki and Islam Headworks is experiencing medium flooding, the FFC said, adding that a high flood is witnessed at Sidhnai on the Ravi. The PDMA said the Ravi flow is recorded at 69,000 cusecs with a high flood.
The Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala registered 78,000 cusecs and Sulemanki 102,000 cusecs, both categorised as medium floods. The Chenab at Marala and Qadirabad, as well as at Khanki and Trimmu, was reported at normal levels.
At Shahdara on the Ravi, flows stood at 31,000 cusecs within safe limits, while Bloki Headworks recorded 57,000 cusecs with a low flood. Officials said departments remained on alert under directives of the Punjab chief minister, with resources mobilised to protect lives and property.
The PDMA noted that river flows across Punjab were gradually returning to normal as rains in upper catchments had stopped.
Meanwhile, the Water Resources Ministry stated that Tarbela Dam has been at 100% capacity since August 27, while Mangla Dam is 93% full with six feet of storage available. The ministry has instructed provinces to prepare damage assessments caused by the floods.
