The Meteorological Department on Sunday issued a cloudburst alert for Punjab as a new spell of rainfall is likely to begin across the country from today and may continue till August 19.

Heavy rains have been forecast for Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while rain is also expected in various areas of Sindh and Balochistan.

According to the Irrigation Department, water flow in Punjab’s rivers is increasing due to rains and melting glaciers.

The department reports moderate flooding in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma Barrage, while low flooding has been recorded at Tarbela and Taunsa Barrages.

Similarly, in the Sutlej River, there is also low flooding at the Ganda Singh Wala point. However, the flow of water in the Chenab, Jhelum and their tributaries is currently normal.

Regarding the status of dams, the report states that Tarbela Dam is 96 per cent full, while Mangla Dam is 67 per cent full.

Experts have warned that continued rainfall may further increase water levels in reservoirs.

At least 313 people were killed and 156 people were injured in the devastation caused by cloudbursts and flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the last 48 hours.

The floodwaters also caused severe damage to dozens of houses and roads.