Key Points
- FFD warns of widespread flooding over the next 24 to 48 hours.
- Jhelum recorded the highest rainfall at 125mm in 24 hours.
- Indus stations downstream remain at low flood levels but are rising.
- Kalabagh and Chashma may reach medium flood levels within 24 hours.
- Chenab and associated nullahs face low to medium flood risks.
ISLAMABAD: The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a flood advisory on Thursday, warning of widespread rain, heavy downpours, and urban flooding across upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Driven by a persistent westerly wave and strong moist currents from the Arabian Sea, intense rainfall has already caused severe waterlogging and riverine surges across northern and central Pakistan.
In the last 24 hours, heavy monsoonal rain hit northern catchments. Jhelum district recorded the highest rainfall at 125 mm, followed closely by Qila Rohtas at 121 mm and Attock at 118 mm. The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi witnessed torrential showers, with New Kattarian recording 109 mm, Gawalmandi 104 mm, and Chaklala 95 mm. Other heavily impacted areas include Mangla (105 mm), Daulat Nagar (98 mm), and Phulra (79 mm).
Reservoirs at peak capacity
The Hydrological Outlook warns that the Tarbela Dam reservoir has reached its Maximum Conservation Level at 1,550 feet (100 per cent capacity). Mangla Dam stands at 71 per cent live storage capacity.
River Indus: Low flood levels were recorded downstream at Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa, Guddu, and Sukkur. Kalabagh (inflow 372.7 thousand cusecs) and Chashma (inflow 286.2 thousand cusecs) are projected to rise to Medium Flood Level within 24 hours due to intense rainwater runoff from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
River Chenab: Currently experiencing a low flood level at Marala (145.8 thousand cusecs). It is expected to hit Low to Medium Flood Level alongside its associated nullahs over the next 24 to 36 hours.
River Ravi & Kabul: Low flood levels persist upstream at Balloki on the Ravi, with associated nullahs likely to reach Low to Medium flood levels. Flash flooding is also anticipated in the tributaries of the Kabul River.
Authorities have flagged an immediate threat of urban flooding in major cities including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Gujrat. The PMD advised disaster management authorities and district administrations to remain on high alert.
