The water flow in the Sutlej River has significantly increased due to India releasing surplus water from its reservoirs. Currently, a flood flow of 69,220 cusecs is passing through the Ganda Singh point, according to a spokesperson of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab.
The PDMA has issued a cautionary statement, stating that the water level at Ganda Singh is expected to reach medium to high flood levels. Furthermore, India may discharge additional water into the river by August 20.
The PDMA is concerned about the potential submerging of farmlands in various districts, including Bahawalnagar, Lodhran, Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Vehari. The PDMA has established a control room to monitor water flow in rivers and barrages around the clock.
In order to prepare for any emergency situations, the PDMA has instructed departments and district administrations to make necessary arrangements.
During July, India had released 208,597 cusecs of water from Harike and 110,568 cusecs from Ferozepur into the Sutlej River. As a result, the water level in Pakistan has risen due to the discharge of water from India.
The PDMA spokesperson has also mentioned that all dams on the Sutlej and Beas rivers in India have reached their capacity, and there is an expectation of more rainfall in the upper catchment areas of these rivers.