India has released approximately 185,000 cusecs of water from Ujh Barrage into the Ravi River, leading to concerns of potential flooding, said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday.
An estimated 65,000 cusecs of water is expected to reach the area within the next 20-24 hours, said the NDMA advisory issued to the local administration and residents living along the river.
The advisory, which cited Pakistan Commission Indus Water, warned of low-level floods in plain areas near Jassar.
🔔این ڈی ایم اے اپ ڈیٹ:(9 جولائی، 0940 بجے)
پاکستان کمیشن انڈس واٹر(PCIW ) کے مطابق، بھارت کیجانب سے تقریباً 185,000 کیوسک پانی کا ریلہ📍 اُجھ بیراج (دریائے راوی) سے چھوڑا جا چکا ہے۔@GovtofPakistan @GovtofPunjabPK @PdmapunjabO#ndmapk #Monsoon2023— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) July 9, 2023
Punjab caretaker Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, assured that the government was prepared for all scenarios and that the entire administration was on alert due to recent rains and the possibility of floods.
He said efforts were being made to evacuate populations residing along the rivers, and encroachments along riverbeds were being removed.
Relief camps have been set up in Lahore and Sheikhupura to assist affected individuals.
Meanwhile, Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman has urged public and non-government organizations to remain vigilant and prepared for heavy rains and thunderstorms expected across the country in the next 24 to 48 hours.
She highlighted the estimated number of people who may be impacted by the rains, emphasizing the need for coordinated preparedness and proactive responses to save lives.
However, the NDMA has cautioned about severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in North/Northeastern Punjab, including Lahore, Sialkot, and Narowal, over the next 48 hours.
Similar weather conditions are expected in Karachi, Tharparkar, Sukkur, Larkana, Hyderabad, Badin, and Shaheed Benazirabad in Sindh. Thunderstorms are predicted in Northeastern Balochistan, and rainfall is expected in various regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Urban flooding alerts have been issued for cities and municipal areas, with risks of landslides in hilly regions.
The NDMA has directed city and district administrations to ensure contingency traffic plans, conduct stock-taking, and maintain public awareness in vulnerable areas. All stakeholders are urged to maintain proactive coordination for prompt responses at the grassroots level. So far, 68 people have been reported killed and over 120 injured due to monsoon rains across the country since June 26.
