Punjab districts on high alert as India releases water into Chenab River

LAHORE: Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a flood alert after India announced the release of water into the River Chenab by opening the spillway gates of the Salal Dam.

According to media reports, Indian authorities issued a notification stating that the spillway gates of the Salal Dam would remain open from Wednesday morning until May 30.

ollowing the development, the PDMA Punjab issued a flood warning for areas along the River Chenab, warning that water levels could rise by two to three metres. Officials expressed concern over a sudden increase in water flow at the Head Marala Barrage.

As a precautionary measure, high flood alerts were issued for Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Chiniot districts.

The PDMA spokesperson said the spillway gates at the Indian Salal Dam would remain open from 9am onwards until May 30. In response to a letter issued by Pakistan’s Irrigation Department, alerts regarding possible flooding were sent to all relevant districts and departments.

The PDMA directed authorities in affected districts to keep control rooms operational around the clock and instructed Rescue 1122 teams to remain on high alert for any emergency situation.

PDMA Director General Umar Javed said all departments had been directed to stay prepared in line with the instructions of the Punjab chief minister.

He also advised citizens to avoid going near riverbanks and urged the public to contact the emergency helpline 1129 in case of any emergency.

The PDMA further instructed district administrations to deploy heavy machinery and additional staff while conducting inspections of protective embankments to deal with any possible flood situation.