ISLAMABAD: While there is no immediate threat to most of the river systems, except the Indus which is at a medium flood at Guddu and Sukkur, the upcoming rain spells could increase the water level in the rivers. Besides, the Tarbela Dam is close to its peak level.

The Indus River is at low flood level at Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa while the Kabul River is at low flood at Nowshera. But a major inflow in the Indus is expected in coming days as the spillways of Tarbela Dam would be released soon.

The water level at Tarbela Dam is at 1,545 feet which is mere five feet short of its maximum level.

Floodgates are opened just before water level reaches the highest level.

NDMA cautions people living along rivers

At the same time, the met office on Friday predicted scattered thunderstorm and rain with heavy falls at isolated places during the next three days over the catchments of all the major rivers along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore and D.G. Khan Divisions.

Owing to the possibility of rains in upper catchments, vulnerable communities along the reaches of these rivers, especially Ravi and Chenab, their tributaries and nullahs are to be sensitised for protective measures.

Currently, River Ravi is at medium flood at Balloki and Chenab is at low flood level at Marala. Apart from rains, these rivers are prone to heavy flooding from water released from India.

Under the conditions, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert to the relevant stakeholders, including the authorities and people living close to river plains and watercourses.

The NDMA asked the citizens to vacate dangerous buildings and katcha houses during the periods of intense rains, remain away from electric wires and poles and avoid venturing into flooded water channels.

It also said with the possibilities of landslides in KP, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, vulnerable population should remain alert for preventive measures.

“Tourists be cautioned to avoid travelling to areas vulnerable to flash floods and landslides,” it added.

Currently, Hunza-Shimshal and Sadpara-Deosai roads have been blocked due to heavy landslide whereas all other roads across the country are clear for all types of traffic.

On Thursday and Friday, the highest rainfall was recorded in Malamjabba (71mm), Sialkot (43mm) and Marala (42mm).

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2017