An Imminent Water Crisis Occurring As a Result of Monsoon Rains:
If India receives further monsoon rains, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a warning about the possibility of an increase in the water level of the River Sutlej, which has raised concerns about the possibility of floods.
Potentially Affected Districts:
The spokesperson for the PDMA mentions the districts of Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Lodhran, and Multan as examples of locations that can be affected by an increase in water inflow. Bahawalpur is also mentioned.
Preparations for Evacuation and a State of High Alert:
The Relief Commissioner for the state of Punjab, Nabeel Javed, has confirmed that all of the appropriate authorities are on high alert and has emphasised the prospect of evacuating communities located along the River Sutlej. The condition of the dams in India is another factor that adds to the concerns.
The Levels of the Water Are Increasing at Key Points:
PDMA has received reports of rising water levels at various areas, including a high-level flood at Ganda Singh Wala, 151,000 cusecs of water flow at Islam Headworks, and 122,000 cusecs of water flow at Sulemanki.
Continuous Observation Carried Out by PDMA:
In order to ensure a fast response, the control room of the PDMA is conducting ongoing surveillance of rivers, dams, barrages, and streams.
Forecasting of Floods Using PMD:
Along the River Sutlej, the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has confirmed that flood levels are high at Ganda Singh Wala and Islam Headworks, and that flood levels are medium at Sulemanki Headworks.
River Indus and the Forecast of the Weather:
The PMD’s forecast indicates that the flood level will be low along the River Indus at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Guddu headworks. In addition, the forecast calls for sporadic wind storms, moderate rain, and sporadic severe downpours in locations with higher catchment elevations.
The Government’s Response and Efforts to Provide Relief
Mohsin Naqvi, caretaker chief minister of Punjab, conducts an inspection of the relief camp located in Attari Village, Okara, along the River Sutlej. He acknowledges the severity of the floods that have affected a large number of communities and he extends his gratitude to the rescue teams, the district government, and the Pakistan Army for their determined efforts in the evacuation and relief operations.
