Flood conditions have largely returned to normal across Punjab’s major rivers, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Thursday, while warning that flash floods, urban flooding and landslides remain possible as the fourth spell of monsoon rains is expected to continue until August 5.
In a statement, the PDMA said water levels had normalised at all barrages on the Chenab River, all headworks on the Ravi River, as well as in the Jhelum and Sutlej rivers.
On the Indus River, however, Kalabagh remained at a low flood level, with inflows recorded at 331,000 cusecs and outflows at 323,000 cusecs. Water flow at Tarbela, Chashma and Taunsa was reported to be within normal limits, while conditions in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan had also stabilised.’The authority said low-level flooding continued in Nullah Aik and Nullah Bain, while Nullah Palkhu in Wazirabad was flowing at a medium flood level.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said the ongoing fourth spell of monsoon rains could lead to a rise in water levels in the eastern rivers and their tributaries due to rainfall in upper catchment areas. He cautioned that seasonal streams could also experience flash flooding.
He further warned of the possibility of urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Multan, while landslides remained a concern in Murree, the Galliyat and other hilly areas.
The PDMA chief urged residents living near rivers and in low-lying areas to relocate to safer places where necessary. He said the Punjab government had established flood relief camps in vulnerable areas, where essential facilities and medicines would be made available.
He also advised the public to exercise caution during the ongoing wet spell, avoid unnecessary travel and refrain from recreational activities near rivers, canals and streams. Parents were urged to ensure that children stay away from swollen rivers and rain-fed waterways.
