Islamabad:
Pakistan may be exposed to potential flooding if India releases water to rivers flowing across the border, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned on Tuesday in the middle of forecasts for back-to-back Monsun trickle forms and increased glacial lake outbreak (GLOF) this month.
PMD General Mahr Sahibzad Khan said that while most rivers in Pakistan remain stable, the Chenab River faces a possible flood threat. The Ravi River, he noticed, is currently safe due to available storage in Indian dams.
“There is no flood threat in the Jhelum and Sutlej rivers at the moment, but Chenab is in danger,” Khan told Express Pakinomist. “Flooding may occur if India releases excess water. However, our dams currently have sufficient capacity to handle influx.”
Khan added that the ongoing Monsun Tull Form would continue until Friday, July 25, followed by another wet spell at the end of the month. He warned that persistent rainfall, especially in northern areas, could increase flooding risks.
“The rain improves dam levels, but the threat is back. Another weather system is expected later this month, which could cause more intense rain,” he warned.
Despite its minimal contribution to global carbon emissions, Pakistan is still one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Khan attributed rising weather prediction, skybursts and glacials for global climate shifts.
“Pakistan’s contribution to air pollution is insignificant, yet we are among the most severely affected by climate change,” he said. “Extreme rainfall and quick glacier melt create dangerous conditions.”
Khan, who approached the recent flood in Islamabad’s village and Chakwal, clarified that this was not cloudburst events.
“A cloudburst is defined by over 100 mm of rainfall in one hour. In Saidpur, it was extended heavy rain over 24 hours,” he explained. “The flood was exacerbated by illegal constructions that blocked natural drainage channels.”
“Pakistan’s contribution to air pollution is insignificant, yet we are among the most severely affected by climate change,” he said. “Extreme rainfall and quick glacier melt create dangerous conditions.”
Glof Alert
MET Office has issued a warning with high alarms for flooding of glacial glacial lake in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where fast glaciers melt and heavy rain threaten to trigger flash floods.
“Glacial melts combined with intense rain can cause sudden tidal waves and floods in low-lying areas,” the MET department said in its daily report. It advised all relevant disaster control authorities to remain on high alarm.
