The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has warned of a looming flood threat in the Sutlej River as water levels in Indian dams continue to rise.
According to PDMA’s latest update, water inflows at India’s Pong Dam (Beas) have reached 132,595 cusecs with an outflow of 100,000 cusecs.
The dam’s current level stands at 1,394.51 feet and is steadily increasing.
At Bhakra Dam, the water level has climbed to 1,679 feet, close to its maximum limit, with inflows of 95,400 cusecs and outflows of 73,459 cusecs.
Meanwhile, the Harike Headworks, located at the confluence of the Sutlej and Beas rivers, is witnessing inflows of 347,500 cusecs and outflows of 330,677 cusecs, both showing a rising trend.
The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has issued an alert about “dangerously high” water flows in the Sutlej.
At Ganda Singh Wala, the river’s discharge has been recorded at 335,591 cusecs, an unusually high level attributed to massive water releases from the Pong and Bhakra dams, which are currently filled to 98 per cent and 96 per cent of capacity, respectively.
High flood conditions are expected at Head Sulemanki, where the outflow is around 132,000 cusecs, while at Islam Headworks, medium to high flood levels are anticipated with an outflow of nearly 95,700 cusecs.
Authorities warn that continuous water releases from Indian dams could worsen the flood situation in the Sutlej, particularly in Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Burewala, Arifwala, and Bahawalnagar districts.
Agricultural lands, rural settlements, and weak infrastructure remain highly vulnerable to the flood surge.
PDMA Punjab Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said the situation is being closely monitored “moment by moment” and assured that safe evacuations and relief measures are being carried out in threatened areas.
