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LAHORE: The meteorological department has forecast fairly widespread rain in northern parts of the country in 24 hours.
A meteorologist said on Tuesday the rain would be moderate at most places, but could generate flooding in some urban areas. In some areas, the rain could be heavy, but not as much as the earlier spells which had generated floods.
The Met office said the rain would be generated by a trough of a moderately strong westerly wave and strong monsoon current from the Arabian Sea. The trough of the westerly wave is likely to persist over Afghanistan and bordering areas of Pakistan for at least three days.
The Flood Forecasting Division reported that India had released 61,000 cusecs of water in the Sutlej from the Bhakra dam. However, the flow will reduce considerably after travelling to Ganda Singhwala in Pakistan in about three days because of diversion of waters to three barrages and some canals in India.
India released 34,000 cusecs on Sunday and 59,000 cusecs on Monday, but the flow at Ganda Singhwala was just 15,500 cusecs by Tuesday evening.
“India can release more water in the river if it rains heavily in its catchments. Right now there is no danger but those settled in the riverbed are at their own risk,” an official said.
He said the Ravi was below low-flood level at the siphon and Shahdara. But the level may increase to some extent because of the likely rain in its catchments.
-by Intikhab Hanif
