Chenab, Ravi nullahs may enter high flood category

Pakistan's Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) has issued a warning of potential high flooding in storm-water nullahs connected to the Chenab and Ravi rivers. This alert is in effect from August 15 to August 21, as water levels in these waterways continue to rise.

While the FFD anticipates that flows at major rim-gauging stations for the Chenab and Ravi rivers will likely stay at low flood levels during this period, adjoining nullahs face a greater risk. These smaller waterways could experience low to medium flooding. However, a significant increase in flows within these tributary nullahs might escalate the situation to high flood levels.

The FFD's forecast indicates no substantial increase in inflows at the primary gauging stations for the Indus, Kabul, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers over the next 24 hours. Nevertheless, several stations might reach low flood levels. Specifically, flows at Taunsa, Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad, and Sidhnai are expected to enter the low-flood range.

In addition to riverine flooding concerns, the FFD also cautioned about the possibility of flash flooding. This threat extends to tributary streams of the Kabul River and hill torrents in the Dera Ghazi Khan division during the forecast period. Meanwhile, Tarbela Dam has reached its maximum conservation level, while Mangla Dam is at 67% capacity.