Parts of Punjab, Sindh face urban flooding risk amid rising river levels

Pakistan is bracing for potential urban flooding as heavy monsoon rains continue to swell the country's major rivers and reservoirs. Water levels in the Tarbela and Mangla dams have risen significantly over the past two weeks, nearing their maximum conservation levels. Tarbela dam's water level increased by over 32 feet, now standing just 13 feet below its capacity, while Mangla dam also saw a substantial rise.

The Indus River is currently flowing at a medium flood level at the Guddu and Sukkur barrages. The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the Met Office anticipates that flows at Guddu may recede from medium to low flood levels within 24 hours. However, the Chenab River poses a greater concern, with forecasts indicating it could reach high flood levels at Marala, and medium to high flows are expected in its associated nullahs.

Authorities have issued warnings for flash flooding in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, streams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northern Balochistan. More critically, urban flooding is a significant risk in numerous cities across Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad, as well as in several districts of Sindh province, such as Badin, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas. Prolonged waterlogging and ponding are also anticipated in these areas.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab has reported that 45 people have died in the province due to the ongoing monsoon and flood situation. The rising water levels in reservoirs are attributed primarily to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas, though snowmelt also contributes to filling the Tarbela dam. Officials are closely monitoring the situation as the monsoon season progresses.