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The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab issued an exceptionally high flood warning for the Chenab River for the next 36 hours, alerting the relevant districts to stay prepared.
According to the officials, India opened all channels of the Salal Dam without any official communication, triggering a massive surge of water towards Pakistan, meanwhile, heavy monsoon rainfall has further worsened the situation.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said a massive flood wave is expected to reach Head Marala within two days, raising water levels to dangerous levels across the Chenab River’s course.
“All district administrations must stay on high alert with commissioners, deputy commissioners, and field officers present in vulnerable areas,” Kathia instructed during a briefing on Sunday.
READ: Sindh on high alert as ‘Super Flood’ approaches
Emergency control rooms have been activated, and evacuation efforts are underway in flood-prone areas. Relief camps have been set up to accommodate displaced residents and provide essential services.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that over 1.2 million people have been affected in Punjab, with more than 1,400 villages flooded due to rising waters in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers.
At Khanki and Qadirabad, water levels in the Chenab River have already crossed safety limits, posing severe risks to nearby settlements and agricultural lands.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid low-lying areas, stay away from riverbanks, and refrain from unnecessary travel during this emergency period.
Announcements are being made through mosques and mobile alerts to keep people informed about evacuation timings and safety instructions.
