Flood alert has been sounded in many cities of the country as the weather pundits predicted another surge in rain with India as usual playing the spoiler, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab warned of high flood lever in River Chenab during next 24 hours after India released water in the river without any prior information. There was also a low-level flood in River Ravi at Justar and Shahdra near Lahore.
The Rescue and district administrations were also on alert in Narowal, Shakargarh and other Punjab cities.
The heavy rains have already wreaked havoc in several KP cities particularly in Khyber District where two people have died, several houses collapsed, crops damaged and a number of cattle were dead.
More monsoon rains expected: NEOC
National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has stated that more monsoon rains are expected in DG Khan Division over next 48 hours.
The hill torrents and local nullahs of DG Khan Division are likely to experience medium to high level of flash flooding which may result in damage to infrastructure. All villages/towns or settlements near nullahs, especially along the flood plain, can be affected by increased flows.
The public has been advised to stay informed by keeping track of weather updates and alerts.
NDMA has issued instructions to all relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the possible effects of flooding and extreme weather.
Torrential rain pummels Pind Dadan Khan
Rain caused devastation in Pind Dadan Khan, a tehsil of Jhelum as Khushab Road washed away in the rain drain.
After rain, long queues of vehicles were formed on Khushab Road and citizens were also facing severe difficulties due to closure of the road.
Meanwhile, 45,000 cusecs flood is passing through Jasar in Ravi River.
According to Irrigation Department, on the arrival of the flood in the Ravi River, the local people in the suburb of Narowal became alert.
The animals around Ravi River were moved to safe places while residential houses and mansions were also evacuated.
Rescue has established three posts on the banks of Ravi River and in Village Kot Nainan, Jasar and Chandianwala rescue teams have been alerted.
The district administration and related institutions are also on alert to deal with the flood situation.
The water started flowing in the fields from some places. The flood water in Ravi River is advancing rapidly.
Flood water passed through safe channels from Kartarpur in Ravi River and the fast-flowing flood waters will reach Lahore by late night.
IRSA releases 489,500 cusecs water
Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Friday released 489,500 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 555,900 cusecs. According to the data released by IRSA, water level in River Indus at Tarbela Dam was 1549.00 feet and was 151.00 feet higher than its dead level of 1,398 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam was recorded as 313,000 cusecs and 283,500 cusecs respectively.
The water level in River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1212.30 feet, which was 164.30 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded 46,900 cusecs and 10,000 cusecs respectively.
The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa , Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 309,800, 324,500, 385,600 and 350,000 cusecs respectively. Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 58,300 cusecs of water released at Nowshera and 119,900 cusecs released from River Chenab at Marala.
Foreign tourists are safe in flood-hit Astore, NDMA tells PM
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday informed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that the foreign tourists in the flash flood-hit Astore area were safe and away from the affected area.
The prime minister had directed the NDMA to ensure the safety of the tourists and protect the locals from any troublesome situation.
In a report submitted to him, the NDMA informed the prime minister that the Authority took immediate action on his direction to protect the foreign tourists in the flood-affected area.
It was told that two Italian and an Argentinian tourist were on safe and at a distant location from the affected area.
Besides, the work was underway to ensure the swift restoration of Feena bridge.
As per report, the NDMA and other relevant departments were examining the situation and were on alert to deal with any emergency.
Monsoon rains expected across country
The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) anticipated more rains, wind and thundershower with isolated heavy rains in various regions of Pakistan until August 18th.
According to the forecast, more rain was expected in catchment areas of Neelum and Jhelum rivers in Azad Kashmir, while districts Barkhan, Bolan, Harnai, Jaffarabad, Kohlu, Musakhel, Nasirabad, Sherani, Sibi, and Zhob of Balochistan and the Mirpur Khas Division, Dadu, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Larkana, Mithi, Matiari, Sanghar, and Sukkur of Sindh, a news release said.
The rainfall may cause flooding in various urban areas and increase water flow in steams and nullah, particularly in the Neelum and Jhelum rivers in AJ&K. Hilly areas may experience landslides, mudflows and flash flooding.
NDMA urges all relevant authorities and the public to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impacts of flooding and landslides. NDMA issued instructions to all relevant departments to alert Emergency Response Teams and mobilized resources to ensure a swift response to any arising situations. Tourists are advised to avoid traveling to these areas during the forecasted period.
The public is advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities. NDMA advises the public to stay informed and download ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’ mobile app for timely alerts and closely monitor weather reports.
Reporters: Raja Waqar, Amir Shahzad and Yasir Arafat