The Flood Forecasting Division has sounded the alarm over fresh surges in major rivers, reporting high to very high flood levels at several barrages and headworks across Punjab and Sindh. On the Ravi, a high flood is passing through Balloki, where inflow and outflow were recorded at 139,030 cusecs. At Sidhnai, the situation is no different, with water measured at 120,597 cusecs.

Closer to Lahore, Shahdara is facing a medium flood with 90,411 cusecs rushing downstream. In Kasur, Ganda Singh Wala is under severe strain as the flow has risen to 319,295 cusecs. Down the Sutlej, Sulemanki has also been classified in the high-flood category, with a recorded inflow and outflow of 135,832 cusecs. The Chenab is carrying massive volumes, with Trimmu Barrage recording a dangerous 543,579 cusecs.

Meanwhile, at Head Punjnad, inflow and outflow have climbed to 609,669 cusecs, a level categorised as high flood. On the Indus, the Guddu Barrage is now in medium flood, taking in 401,352 cusecs and releasing 377,226 cusecs downstream. Sukkur, long seen as the river’s choke point, is under low flood with inflows of 338,050 cusecs and outflows of 299,200.

Further south, Kotri is also feeling the strain, recording 243,743 cusecs in and 231,763 cusecs out. Officials say the relentless volumes coursing through the system are testing riverbanks and embankments to their limits. Local administrations have been told to stay on their toes as the water shows no signs of easing just yet.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)