SUKKUR: Heavy rainfall in Pakistan’s upper catchment areas has significantly increased water levels in the Indus River, prompting flood monitoring authorities to issue fresh alerts for several parts of Sindh and Punjab.
According to the Sukkur Barrage Control Room, water inflow at Guddu Barrage increased by approximately 45,000 cusecs over the past 24 hours, with officials forecasting a low flood situation at the barrage during the next 48 hours.
The rise in water levels is attributed to increased flows from the Panjnad and Taunsa regions, which are expected to continue moving downstream.
Latest official figures show that water inflow at Guddu Barrage has reached 217,045 cusecs, while the outflow stands at 182,185 cusecs.
At Sukkur Barrage, authorities recorded an inflow of 126,380 cusecs, with 71,660 cusecs being discharged downstream.
Further south, Kotri Barrage recorded an inflow of 44,666 cusecs, while water discharge measured 3,165 cusecs, according to official data.
The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) said the Chenab River is currently flowing at a medium flood level, while the Ravi River remains at a low flood level.
However, the department warned that continued rainfall could push both rivers to medium-to-high flood levels within the next 24 hours.
Authorities expect the Chenab River at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad to remain at medium to high flood levels.
Similarly, the Ravi River is forecast to rise at Balloki (Kasur) and Sidhnai (Khanewal) as additional rainfall continues across northern and central Punjab.
According to the FFD, the Indus River at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa, the Kabul River at Nowshera, the Chenab River at Marala and Trimmu, and the Ravi River at Balloki and Sidhnai are currently experiencing low flood conditions.
Officials added that water levels at all other major river monitoring stations remain within normal limits.
In response to the flood forecast, district administrations in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, and Khanewal have been placed on high alert.
Emergency response teams have been instructed to remain prepared as the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast additional rainfall across several parts of Punjab on Sunday.
Authorities have advised residents living near rivers, canals, and low-lying areas to stay informed through official weather and flood advisories while local administrations continue monitoring the evolving situation.
