Urban Flooding Risk Rises Across Punjab and Sindh as Reservoir Levels Surge

LAHORE: Pakistan’s flood monitoring authorities have warned of an increased risk of urban flooding in several cities of Punjab and Sindh as persistent monsoon rains continue to raise water levels in major rivers and reservoirs. According to the Flood Forecasting Division, the Indus River is flowing at a medium flood level at Guddu and Sukkur barrages, while the Chenab is expected to fluctuate between low and medium flood levels, with a possibility of reaching a high flood stage at Marala. Urban flooding alerts have been issued for Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Sahiwal and Faisalabad in Punjab, as well as Badin, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Khairpur, Matiari, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sujawal, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tharparkar, Thatta and Umerkot in Sindh.

WAPDA reported a significant rise in reservoir levels over the past two weeks, with Tarbela Dam now only 13 feet below its maximum conservation level, while Mangla and Chashma reservoirs have also recorded substantial increases due to heavy rainfall in their catchment areas. The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said the current spell of monsoon rains is expected to continue until August 5, with district administrations and emergency agencies remaining on high alert.

According to the PDMA, 45 people have lost their lives and 279 others have been injured in rain-related incidents across Punjab during the ongoing monsoon season. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid low-lying areas, rivers, canals and rain drains, keep children away from floodwaters, and immediately report emergencies to rescue services.