ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Monsoon rains have significantly changed the water situation in the country’s rivers and reservoirs, with Tarbela Dam reaching its maximum storage level and Mangla Dam’s water level rising to 68 per cent.
Low-level flooding has been reported in the Indus River at Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa, while low-level flooding is also expected in the Ravi and Chenab rivers over the next 24 to 48 hours.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, medium-level flooding is likely in streams and nullahs connected to the Ravi and Chenab rivers from August 17 to 19.
Rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in Islamabad, Kashmir and several parts of Punjab during the next 24 hours.
Rain has also been forecast for Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Sheikhupura.
The weather department has issued an alert for heavy rainfall in Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Abbottabad and Haripur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Rain is also expected in the upper catchment areas of the Indus River, Dera Ghazi Khan, Mianwali and Musa Khel district of Balochistan.
The Met Office has forecast widespread heavy rainfall across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad and Kashmir during the next 48 hours. A heavy rainfall alert has also been issued for the upper catchment areas of the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers.
Thunderstorms and rain are expected in Astore, Diamer, Gilgit and Skardu districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Several other Punjab districts, including Chiniot, Faisalabad, Nankana Sahib and Okara, are also likely to receive rain.
Following forecasts of rain in Balochistan’s Barkhan and Sherani districts, authorities have been directed to remain alert and take necessary precautionary measures.