Islamabad:
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of an extremely high flooding situation that develops in the Indus River basin as massive waves from the eastern rivers threaten to overwhelm downstream areas in the coming days.
According to forecasts, between September 3 and 4, flooding water is expected from 900,000 to 950,000 CUSSCS to pass through the Panjnad main work. Officials said controlled violations can be carried out to divert current, which can reduce the wave to between 825,000 and 900,000 CUSSCS, but still leave a major impact downstream.
The pressure moves further south, with the Guddu barrier expected to receive streams of 800,000 to 1.1 million CUSSCS between September 5 and 6. If redirections are implemented, volume can be facilitated to between 750,000 and 900,000 CUSSCS.
Despite these measures, the authorities warned that the total emissions could climb up to 1.2 million CUSSCS, a level categorized as an “extremely high flood.” Such volumes could test the resistance of the Indus flooding system and put millions at risk.
At SUKKUR BARRAGE, between 6 and 7 September, streams of 800,000 to 1.1 million CUSSCS are predicted, while Kotri Barrage is expected to see 800,000 to 1 million CuseCs between September 8.
NDMA officials warned that heavy upstream emissions can create extreme flooding downstream, which poses serious risks to low-lying river areas. Potential overflows, violations in dams and widespread flooding of villages are still a serious problem.
“Flood waves of this size can damage agricultural land seriously, nearby settlements, rural areas and built infrastructure,” NDMA said in his counseling, calling on provincial governments and local administrations to prepare for evacuations of emergencies and protective measures.
The warning comes when the country rolls under merciless monsoon rains that have raised the three eastern rivers – Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab – to dangerous levels. Their combined pressure now moves into the Indus and intensifies fear of destruction over Sindh and southern Punjab.
