Water levels in the Chenab River have reached medium flood status at the Marala Headworks, following a significant release of water from India. The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) reported on Wednesday that the river’s flow at Marala has surged to 176,000 cusecs, a sharp increase from 70,000 cusecs just two days prior.
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The FFD has expressed serious concerns that the rising water could inundate hundreds of acres of agricultural land across several districts, including Sialkot, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Chiniot, and Jhang.
Officials have issued warnings of a potential further increase in river discharge and are urging local authorities to remain on high alert. The FFD has already put out alerts for a medium to high flood risk at Marala Barrage, with moderate flooding also anticipated at Khanki and Qadirabad headworks within the next 24 hours.
These developments come as Pakistan’s rivers are under heightened monitoring during the ongoing monsoon season. Meteorological forecasts indicate that another monsoon system could reach the region by August 5, potentially leading to even higher water levels, particularly in the Indus and other major rivers.
The FFD has called on disaster management authorities and district administrations to implement preventive measures to protect crops and settlements located near the riverbanks. Emergency response teams have also been placed on standby to address any potential flood-related emergencies.
