Islamabad/Lahore:
The National Authority for Disaster Management (NDMA) on Thursday the immediate evacuation of the communities along the Sutlej River after a strong increase in the discharge of upstream and forecasts of additional intensification in the next few days.
The authorities said the water flow in Harike Barge increased to 111,461 CUSECs at 10 pm, which caused a strong subsequent movement. It is projected that the high in Ganda Singh Wala will rise to between 100,000 and 110,000 CUSECs, while the Suleimanki chief is expected to receive around 80,000 Cusecs.
The National Emergency Operation Center of the NDMA (NEOC) warned that the eighth spell of the monsoon, which takes strong rains to the upper collection areas of the river, can push the flow in Ganda Singh Wala to 120,000 Cusecs since August 23.
Previously, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed a continuous increase in Sutlej water levels in Ganda Singh Wala, where, he said, the river was already on floods of medium level to 95,000 Cusecs.
A flow of 80,000 CUSECs on the Sutlej River corresponds to a low -level flood, 120,000 CUSECs to a medium level flood and 175,000 Cusecs to a high -level flood. The NEOC said that sustained rainfall and reservoir releases aggravate the situation of the flood.
The NDMA has placed all relevant departments and emergency services in maximum alert, urging residents in flooding areas to comply with evacuation orders, safeguard cattle and agricultural assets, and avoid movement near channels, nullahs and flooded areas.
The NDMA said it was coordinating with the provincial and district administrations for a timely response and uninterrupted monitoring. PDMA 298 vehicles had been deployed, along with 13 ships, 16 life rings, 210 life vests and other rescue equipment to help evacuations.
Tarbela dam
The Tarbela dam, the second largest reserve in the country, reached its total conservation capacity of 1,550 feet above the average sea level on Thursday.
“The Tarbela dam reached its maximum conservation level of 1,550 feet above the average sea level today, which resulted in usable water of 5,728 million feet in the tank,” the Water Development Authority and Power announced.
