River Sutlej is likely to experience medium to high level flooding as water levels reach 17.80 feet at Ferozpur and Ganda Singh Wala following the unannounced release of waterways from India entering Pakistan on Tuesday morning.People of Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Chishtian, Fort Abbas etc were made alert well in time.
India has released about 200,000 cusecs water into the River Sutlej without any intimation, which has caused flood-like situation in Pakistani river system.
According to Spokesperson for National Disaster Management Authority Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed, a flood relay coming from Indian Punjab in the Sutlej River can enter Pakistan at any time this afternoon.
He said at present, the water level at Ganda Singh Wala village in Kasur District is around sixteen to seventeen feet and 24,000 cusecs of water is entering at Ganda Singh Wala currently.
The Spokesperson said all federal and provincial bodies, including forces, are ready to cope with any untoward situation.
The administrations of Kasur and other districts located at the bank of the River Sutlej have been advised to take necessary measures to tackle any emergency situation.
Meanwhile, Punjab Minister for Population Welfare Muhammad Hashim Dogar along with Commissioner Lahore Division Muhammad Asif Bilal Lodhi visited the areas in Kasur district, which can be affected by the flood water.
According to flood notification issued by Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), “Medium to High Flood level is expected in River Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala and all the others major rivers will remain in Low to Medium Flood Level,” within the next 48 hours.
“The flow of water is increasing at Ganda Singh Wala and has reached 37,640 cusecs, which is expected to rise during next 10 to 15 hours”, Radio Pakistan reported.
According to Director Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Tariq Masood Farooq water levels are expected to rise in coming hours.
Sutlej threatens to overflow its banks
“About 100,000 cusecs is expected to enter in River Sutlej,” said Farooq. “However, the water level in River Ravi is still low as its capacity is 300,000 cusecs.”
Tarbela dam filled to capacity
Amid the unscheduled opening of waterways by India, Tarbela dam has been filled to a capacity of 1,550 ft.
It has been reported that spillways have been opened to flush out excess water as its flow has reached 198,300 cusecs, whereas all 17 power units are working to full capacity producing 4,888 megawatts of electricity.
Earlier, PDMA focal person Nisar Ahmed told The Express Tribune that they were keeping a close watch on the water flow in Sutlej and other rivers.
“India has released water without prior information. We have received this information from different sources,” said the PDMA focal person. “Currently, the flood expected from India can cause a normal flood in Sutlej River.”
He said on the directives of the Punjab chief minister, the people residing in the riverbed were being evacuated.
In view of the flood in Sutlej River, Buzdar summoned an emergency meeting in Lahore. He discussed the situation arising due to the release of water in Sutlej River by India. The meeting also reviewed arrangements for relief activities.
In view of the imminent flood alerts, the people in the area are being evacuated and a relief camp has been established.
