Ravi, Chenab likely to become furious in next 48 hours: FFC

Massive 233,000 cusec water released by India triggers catastrophic floods in Pakistan’s Chenab River,

ISLAMABAD – The Federal Flood Commission (FFC) has said that medium to high flood discharge is expected in River Ravi at Jassar (first control structure on River Ravi in Pakistan) and high-level flooding in River Chenab and associated nullahs of River Ravi during next 48 hours.

According to the daily FFC report on Sunday, except for River Kabul which continues to flow in “Low Flood” at Nowshera, all major rivers of the country are presently flowing in “Normal Flow Conditions”.

At present combined live storage of three major reservoirs show a healthy position (61.04% of total 13.443 MAF as against 18.74% last year).

According to Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), Lahore, a deep trough of the westerly wave still persists over northern parts of Pakistan whereas seasonal low lies over northwestern Balochistan. Upper air cyclonic circulation (the main source of streams of air at higher altitude) over northwestern Madhya Pradesh (India) lies over western Rajasthan (India).

At the reporting time, strong monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal has weakened slightly and thus moderate monsoon currents from both sources (Bay of Bengal & Arabian Sea) are now penetrating into the upper parts of Pakistan up to 7,000 feet.

Widespread wind thunderstorms/rain with heavy falls at isolated places and very heavy falls at one or two places over the upper catchments of rivers Ravi and Sutlej is expected during the next 24 hours.

Scattered wind thunderstorm rain of moderate intensity with isolated heavy falls over Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Kalat, Naseerabad, Loralai, Sibbi and Zhob Divisions of Balochistan is also expected besides over the upper catchments of rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab during the said period.

In view of the above, all concerned organizations including PDMAs/ DDMAs (especially Punjab) are strictly advised to remain fully alert and vigilant, take timely actions on warnings issued by the concerned organizations (especially in the context of flood-generating discharges in eastern rivers) to ensure the safety of communities living in low lying areas, public and private property besides irrigation, drainage, flood protection and river training infrastructure etc.

Intense rainfall in Indian-Occupied Kashmir has led to India releasing a massive 233,000 cusecs of water into the Chenab River, exacerbating flooding in Pakistan.

The water level in the Chenab River has begun to rise at Chiniot. The current flow of water is at 30,000 cusecs and is expected to exceed 10,000 cusecs in the next few hours.

In response to the situation, the district administration has placed all departments on high alert, and a flood control room has been established at the deputy commissioner’s office.

The surging river waters have wreaked havoc in the border area, particularly impacting the village of Jalala. Crops have been destroyed, and vast stretches of land have been submerged, causing significant losses.

As the deluge struck, many villagers engaged in rice cultivation found themselves stranded. Swiftly responding to the crisis, the local administration initiated a rescue operation, successfully evacuating around 300 individuals, mostly women and children, to safer locations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his appreciation for the Rangers and rescue personnel for their prompt evacuation of people stranded in the floods in Shakargarh.

The prime minister highlighted that the timely rescue operation had saved the lives of numerous individuals, including women and children. The entire nation pays tribute to their efforts.

Furthermore, the premier issued directives to ensure comprehensive preparations to address the potential flood situation in Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness among the people and making necessary arrangements for their timely and safe evacuation.

Meanwhile, the water released by India into the Ravi River a day earlier is expected to reach Lahore’s Shahdara area within the next 24 hours. Authorities are on high alert as the rising water levels pose a potential threat to the region.

At the Head Khanki, the water level is steadily increasing, with an inflow of 193,876 cusecs and an outflow of 160,890 cusecs recorded. A moderate flood situation is currently observed at the Head Marala.

Gujranwala is also grappling with the consequences of flooding, as the Chenab River experiences moderate levels of inundation at the Head Khankii. Residents of 50 nearby villages have been cautioned to take necessary precautions in light of the situation.

Similarly, the Head Qadirabad has witnessed an inflow of 194,000 cusecs, accompanied by an outflow of 180,000 cusecs.

The swift flow of the Ravi River is causing erosion in various areas, putting multiple villages and vast agricultural lands at risk.

Rescue 1122 teams are actively engaged in rescue operations to mitigate the impact of the flooding. Thus far, they have successfully saved 301 individuals, including women and children, from perilous locations near the rivers.

Among those rescued, 60 farmers trapped near Chak Jalandhar have been brought to safety.

Additionally, authorities have evacuated 190 individuals from the areas of Chandianwali and Pir Kandiala, prioritizing their well-being during this challenging period of flooding and water-related emergencies.

The water level in the Sutlej River also surged, causing significant damage to the rafts installed at Attari. As a result, a tractor-trolley sank along with the raft on the walkway built on the Attari border. The passenger in the trolley managed to come out of the river on their own.

Similarly, the water level at the Guddu Barrage on the Indus River is observed to be rising, with an inflow of 188,540 cusecs and a discharge of 149,363 cusecs recorded

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported a moderate flood at Marala on the Chenab River. Similarly, a moderate flood was recorded in Shakargarh, while low-level flooding was reported at Khanki and Qadirabad.

The PDMA assured that the water flow in other rivers, including the Ravi, is currently normal. They are closely monitoring the water flow in all rivers, barrages, dams, and canals.

The entire situation in Punjab is being monitored from the provincial control room, ensuring swift responses and coordinated efforts to address any emerging challenges.