Most destructive monsoon spell comes to an end: PDMA

LAHORE: The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has declared the end of the tenth and most damaging phase of this year’s monsoon season, providing relief to flood-affected areas.

In its latest update, the PDMA confirmed that no major rainfall is forecast for the coming week, including in the upper catchment zones of major rivers.

Despite this reduction in rainfall, the water level in Punjab’s rivers remains alarmingly high, with several places still facing severe or extremely severe flood conditions.

According to the authority, the Sutlej River is recording 230,000 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala while 137,000 cusecs at Head Sulemanki, both at high flood levels.

The challenges in the Chenab River continue: Head Marala is discharging 62,000 cusecs, Khanki Headworks is under low flood with 98,000 cusecs, and Trimon Headworks is under severe pressure of 250,000 cusecs.

The Panjnad River is the most vulnerable, with an unusually high flood situation as the flow is rising to 475,000 cusecs.

Meanwhile, the Ravi River is also witnessing varying flood levels: Jasr at 26,000 cusecs, Shahdara at 31,000 cusecs, Baloki Headworks is facing moderate flood at 80,000 cusecs, and the high flood level at Sadhanai Headworks is 12,100 cusecs.

The PDMA noted that the river flow is unlikely to increase further due to the weakening of the monsoon system and no significant rainfall expected upstream, although authorities remain vigilant to protect lives and property.