River flows rise as monsoon rains prompt fresh flood warnings

ISLAMABAD: Rising monsoon flows pushed up water levels in Pakistan’s main rivers on Monday, with flood authorities warning of possible medium to high flooding at several points on the Chenab and low to medium flooding at Mangla on the Jhelum.

According to official figures cited in the latest updates, the total combined river flow across the country reached 454,000 cusecs. The Chenab was carrying about 130,000 cusecs, while the Indus registered 232,000 cusecs at Tarbela, 243,000 cusecs at Kalabagh, 247,000 cusecs at Chashma, 210,000 cusecs at Taunsa, 164,000 cusecs at Guddu and 110,000 cusecs at Sukkur Barrage. The Jhelum’s flow also climbed, with 57,000 cusecs recorded at Mangla Dam.

Officials linked the increase to widespread monsoon rainfall as well as spillway releases from upstream Indian dams. Reservoir storage in the country was reported at 6.1 million acre-feet. Authorities also said high temperatures in Skardu and other northern areas, where the mercury touched 37 degrees Celsius, had sped up snow and glacier melt and raised the risk of glacial lake outburst floods.

To handle incoming water, spillways at Tarbela Dam were opened at 4pm on Sunday and were due to be shut at noon on Monday. Authorities said the reservoir would be kept with the maximum possible vacant capacity to absorb floodwater from northern catchment areas.

Flood outlook and river conditions

The Flood Forecasting Division’s 6am report said low flooding continued at Head Khanki and Head Qadirabad on the Chenab, while major stations on the Indus, Jhelum, Ravi, Sutlej and Kabul remained within normal range. It said Tarbela Dam’s level stood at 1,506.01 feet, equal to 58% of storage capacity, compared with 80% on the same date last year. Mangla Dam was at 1,175.85 feet, or 40% capacity, against 50% a year earlier.

During the previous 24 hours, the highest readings were on the Chenab, where Head Marala received 178,467 cusecs, Head Khanki 169,146 cusecs and Head Qadirabad 157,156 cusecs, all in the medium flood range. The Jhelum at Mangla recorded a flow of 70,000 cusecs. The division warned that Head Marala, Head Khanki and Head Qadirabad could see medium to high flooding over the next 24 hours. It also forecast low-level flooding at Tarbela, Kalabagh and Chashma on the Indus.

Water also rose in Deg Nullah at Kingra Bridge on the Ravi, where the flow reached 10,193 cusecs, placing it in low flood. Later in the day, officials said Head Marala inflows had reached 110,355 cusecs, with outflows at 88,082 cusecs, showing low flooding there. At Mangla, inflows on the Jhelum surged to 133,000 cusecs, producing medium flooding, though downstream releases remained within normal limits.

Rain-related deaths and disruption

Separate rain emergencies were also reported from different parts of the country. In Khyber district, three people died after flash flooding caused by torrential rain in Landi Kotal. A Rescue 1122 spokesperson said the toll rose to three after teams recovered the bodies of a woman, a man and a child. The woman and the man were found in Jabba Khwar in Jamrud, while the child’s body was recovered from Parang Sam with help from local residents.

According to the spokesperson, Rescue 1122 divers and local volunteers conducted a joint search operation before the bodies were handed over to the relevant authorities for legal formalities. The rescue service advised people to stay away from rivers, streams and seasonal waterways during heavy rain and to call 1122 in emergencies. Officials said swollen seasonal streams in Landi Kotal and other upper parts of Khyber district also swept away several vehicles, but no further casualties had been reported.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, officials said a rain-triggered landslide hit a house in Hatli Bala village in Nikyal tehsil of Kotli district, killing three members of a family and injuring two others. A mother, her daughter and her son died when the slope collapsed onto the home. Their bodies were recovered from the debris and buried, while the injured were taken to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital. A loaded truck was also swept away by floodwater in the area.

Heavy rain and a cloudburst caused extensive damage in Neelum Valley and disrupted routine life. In Hazara Division, continued downpours led to overflowing streams and seasonal nullahs, landslides and road blockages. In Abbottabad, monsoon rain badly affected daily movement. Flooding in Tarnawai Nullah cut the link road in Reala, stopping traffic because there is no bridge at the crossing, while hundreds of trucks carrying phosphate were stranded on both sides.

Rain also continued in Balakot and Kaghan Valley, where flash floods led to the temporary closure of the road to Saif-ul-Muluk Lake and another road at Sahuch. Machinery of the Kaghan Development Authority and the National Highway Authority was used to remove debris and reopen traffic, while several tourist vehicles and jeeps remained stuck. In Haripur, low-lying areas were inundated after local waterways overflowed. The deputy commissioner of Haripur said residents living near streams had been moved to safer places.

The higher Indus flow also contributed to Tarbela Dam filling up, leading authorities to operate its spillways for excess releases. Authorities urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, keep away from rivers, streams and flood-prone locations, and follow official advisories as the monsoon system continued to affect the northern parts of the country.