Lahore:
With the intensification of monsoon activity across Pakistan, the authorities concerned have issued new warnings and taken precautionary measures as flood risks, in particular Punjab and in certain parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Despite the active monsoon, the water flow in the main rivers – including the Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa industry – remains at normal levels, just like the tributaries of the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej.
The Tarbela dam is currently complete at 96%, the Mangla dam has a capacity of 62%and Indian tanks would have a capacity of 56%, according to PDMA data.
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The Authority of the Industry System (IRSA) confirmed that spills at the Tarbela dam had been opened at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday evening. The press release was caused by the almost full status of the dam and the rains provided in the watershed areas throughout the month of August.
The release of the spill can increase water flow to 240,000 brackets, which potentially increases the downstream river levels. According to PDMA, the 2025 monsoon season has so far led to 164 deaths, 582 injuries, damage to 216 houses and the loss of 121 livestock animals.
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The flood forecast division reported a low level flood at the Guddu and Sukkur dams on the Industry river, although the river remains within its channel limits at other major control points.
The meteorological department has also warned of potential landslides in the northern regions, including the KP districts of SWAT, Shangla, Manshra, Kohistan and Abbottabad, as well as Murree, Galiyat, GB and AJK.
The increase in water levels in seasonal watercourses and voids could disrupt traffic and pose safety risks, especially in mountainous areas.
