Punjab authorities have warned that when floodwaters reach Multan, water from the Ravi River will merge with it, officials said Monday.
Irfan Ali Kathia said the Sidhnai Headworks, Pakistan’s oldest headworks, has a capacity of 150,000 cusecs. He added that the situation could force authorities to breach the embankment at Sidhnai Headworks at any time tonight.
Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said nearly 17,000 acres are expected to be affected once the embankment is breached.
PDMA issues alert of extremely high flood levels in Rivers Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab
Punjab is facing its worst flooding in history as the ninth spell of monsoon rains continues, according to Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia.
Speaking to the media, Kathia said water levels in all three major rivers are rising, warning of possible urban flooding across Punjab. He said 14 feet of water has already been recorded at various points in Nullah Lai, calling the situation alarming. However, he clarified that no new surge has entered River Chenab at Head Marala and there is no threat to Trimmu Headworks.
Kathia added that the provincial government and relevant institutions are fully prepared, while Chief Minister Punjab visited Jhang today to review flood-hit areas.
Separately, PDMA Punjab issued a flood alert, warning of extremely high flood levels in Rivers Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, and adjoining nullahs.
The alert said the threat of very high floods would persist in Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab until September 5, with Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala expected to remain at high flood levels.
According to the department, heavy rainfall is forecast in the upper catchments of rivers until September 3, while River Chenab at Head Trimmu is already experiencing extremely high flood levels.
The alert also warned of urban flooding in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat over the next 72 hours. Commissioners and deputy commissioners of all districts, along with departments including local government, agriculture, irrigation, health, forests, livestock, and transport, have been directed to remain on high alert.
Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed said all preparations are complete on the directives of the chief minister, with emergency control rooms fully staffed. He urged the public to strictly follow precautionary measures issued by the authorities.
