Unreleased water from India could potentially cause 'extraordinary floods' in Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers
India's "Indian reservoirs," which include dams and water storage structures, have been releasing water, causing floods in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers between September 2 and 4, 2021. This deluge is the result of monsoon weather systems present over southwest Haryana state in India and its surrounding areas, coupled with a strong trough of a westerly wave lying over northern India.
The Chenab river is currently experiencing very high flood levels at Trimmu, medium flood at Khanki and Qadirabad, and low flood at Marala. The Indus river, on the other hand, is at low flood level at Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri.
The Met Office has forecasted torrential rains over the upper catchments of the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers, as well as in Lahore and Gujranwala divisions, from September 1 to 3. The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department has also issued a flood alert for these rivers.
The FFD expects exceptionally high flood levels in the Sutlej river at Ganda Singh Wala, very high to exceptionally high flood levels in the Chenab river at Panjand from September 4 to 5, and very high flood levels in the Indus river at Guddu from September 6 to 7. However, data of the river Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala has not been received by the FFD, but it is expected that the river Sutlej is flowing at exceptionally high flood level at Ganda Singh Wala, high flood level at Sulemanki, and low flood level at Head Islam.
The floods, which are the worst in decades, have already inundated more than 2,000 villages, affecting over two million people. Around 760,000 people and 516,000 animals have been evacuated. Tragically, at least 33 people have lost their lives due to these floods.
The floods threaten to negatively impact Pakistan's economy, as they have already washed away thousands of villages and farms. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecasted torrential rains in Islamabad and different Punjab districts till Wednesday.
In response to this flooding situation, the PMD's department has requested all concerned authorities to take necessary mitigation measures. The authorities have been advised to remain alert round the clock and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation. The FFD has also warned that urban flooding is expected in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat divisions during the next three days.
Scattered thunderstorm rain with heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in the upper catchments of river Jhelum and Gujrat division. The Ravi river at Balloki, Sidhnai, Shahdara, Jassar is in very high, high, medium, and low flood level, respectively.
The floods come at a time when major dams near capacity, making the situation even more critical. The authorities are working tirelessly to manage the situation and protect the lives and properties of the affected people.
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