ISLAMABAD: The administration of Pakistan’s second-largest dam has issued a flood alert amid a potential threat that India may release up to 400,000 cusecs of water ahead of heavy monsoon rains.
The Mangla Dam, located in Azad Kashmir and built on the Jhelum River—which originates in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir—holds significant importance for Pakistan. It not only generates electricity but also plays a vital role in the country’s irrigation system.
According to the area’s Deputy Commissioner, if India releases water, the areas surrounding Mangla Dam could face severe flooding. He said the local administration and WAPDA (Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority) officials are constantly monitoring the situation.
In light of this potential threat, all necessary precautionary measures have been taken to prevent any untoward incidents. The public has been advised to rely only on official updates and disregard unverified information.
Meanwhile, continuous torrential rains have raised concerns about a possible dangerous rise in water levels at Tarbela Dam, Pakistan’s largest dam as well.
The district administration has issued an emergency alert and notification, with announcements being made through local mosques to keep residents informed about the evolving situation.
According to the Tarbela Dam administration, the water level has reached a critical point, and a major flood could enter the dam at any moment.
A spokesperson reported that the water level at the dam has reached 1,530 feet, just 20 feet below its maximum storage capacity of 1,550 feet. The current water inflow is 333,000 cusecs, while the outflow stands at 332,600 cusecs.
In response to the situation, the dam authorities have prepared a plan to increase the water discharge to 400,000 cusecs if floodwaters begin entering the reservoir.
According to Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) spokesperson, the water level in the dams built by India on the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers is currently up to 36 percent, which is also being monitored continuously.
Low-level flooding is also present at Khanki in the Chenab River, where the inflow of water is 340,000 cusecs and the outflow is 320,000 cusecs.
According to the PDMA, the water flow in the Ravi, Jhelum, and Sutlej rivers is currently at normal levels.
The PDMA has warned that there is a risk of flooding in major rivers of Punjab from July 22 to 24.
