PDMA issues flood alert after rise in river levels

LAHORE: Due to monsoon rains, an increase in water flow has been recorded in various rivers of Punjab, after which the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert in view of the possible flood situation.

The administration has directed people living near the rivers to take precautionary measures and move to safer places.

According to PDMA Punjab, there is low-level flood in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma, while the water level has also risen at various places in the Chenab River.

There is low-level flood situation in the Chenab River at Marala and Qadirabad, while medium-level flood has been recorded at Khanki.

According to officials, the water flow at Kalabagh was 317,000 cusecs, while at Chashma it was 295,000 cusecs. The second spell of monsoon rains has raised fears of further increase in water flow in Punjab’s rivers, while these rains are predicted to continue till July 24.

According to PDMA, the water flow in the Ravi, Sutlej and Jhelum rivers is currently normal, however, due to rains in the upper areas, the situation of the rivers may change in the coming days, and there is also a low-level flood situation in Nala Bayan.

DG PDMA Punjab Umar Abbas Mela has directed the citizens to avoid unnecessary movement and sightseeing around rivers, canals and streams.

He said that the Punjab government has completed arrangements in the areas affected by possible floods and basic facilities, medicines and other essential items will be provided in the flood relief camps.

He appealed to the citizens, especially parents, to prevent children from bathing in rivers and streams, while only standard boats and life jackets should be used to cross the river.