Authorities in Punjab have warned of potential flooding in several rivers as monsoon rains intensify in the country’s north and India’s upstream dams edge closer to full capacity.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Tuesday that a surge in water levels at India’s Bhakra, Pong, and Thein dams — now at 61%, 76%, and 64% capacity respectively — could lead to water being released into Pakistan’s Sutlej River within the next two days.
“Given the rapid rise in Indian dam levels, there’s a significant risk of increased water flow in the Sutlej,” a PDMA spokesperson said. The Chenab River has also been placed under a medium-to-high flood warning. Officials stressed that river and dam conditions are being tracked continuously.
The alert coincides with the forecast of a seventh monsoon spell, expected from August 13, which could swell the Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers along with their tributaries. All commissioners, deputy commissioners, and emergency services have been told to remain on standby.
This comes against the backdrop of recent deadly weather across Pakistan. Torrential rains over the past weeks triggered urban flooding, flash floods, and landslides, leaving more than 300 dead, dozens missing, and widespread damage to roads, homes, and bridges. Gilgit-Baltistan — a key tourist region — was among the hardest hit, where at least 10 people lost their lives in weather-related disasters last month.
With rivers already under pressure and more rain looming, officials say the next few days will be critical in determining whether the flood risk turns into a full-scale emergency.
