Islamabad:
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned of an extremely high flooding situation in the Industry river basin, because massive overvoltages of eastern rivers threaten to overwhelm downstream areas in the coming days.
According to forecasts, between September 3 and 4, flood waters ranging from 900,000 to 950,000 Cuses should go through Panjnad’s head works. Officials have said that controlled offenses could be made to divert the flow, which could reduce overvoltage between 825,000 and 900,000 cuses, but leave a significant impact downstream.
The pressure will move more to the south, the GUDDU dam should receive flows from 800,000 to 1.1 million CUSECs between September 5 to 6. If embezzlement is implemented, the volume can relax between 750,000 and 900,000 Cuses.
Despite these measures, the authorities warned that overall discharges could increase up to 1.2 million Cusec, a level classified as an “extremely high flood”. Such volumes could test the resilience of the Indus flood control system and endanger millions.
At the Sukkur dam, between September 6 and 7, flows of 800,000 to 1.1 million cusers are predicted, while Kotri Barter should see 800,000 to 1 million cuses between September 8 and 9. A high alert was issued from September 12 to 13, when experts predict that the Indus is booming on its lower stretching.
NDMA officials have warned that heavy upstream discharges can create extreme floods downstream, posing serious risks for low river areas. The potential overflow, the violations of the embankments and the generalized flood of the villages remain a serious concern.
“The floods of this magnitude can seriously damage agricultural land, nearby colonies, rural populations and the construction of infrastructure,” said NDMA in its council, urging provincial governments and local administrations to prepare emergency evacuations and protective measures.
The warning comes while the country is swollen under implacable monsoon rains, which swelled the three oriental rivers – delighted, Sutlej and Chenab – at dangerous levels. Their combined pressure is now moving into the industrial, intensifying the fears of devastation through the Sindh and the south of the Punjab.
