The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Sunday issued a fresh warning regarding the possibility of floods in River Ravi after India released approximately 185,000 cusecs of water from the Ujh Barrage.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a warning of medium flood in the river Ravi following the release of 185,000 cusecs water from India.
Authorities alerted all concerned departments to ensure precautionary measures to avoid any loss of lives and damage to infrastructure. The development comes as New Delhi released floodwater into Pakistani rivers. And incoming water along with rainfall amid the rainy season could inundate areas linked to rivers.
PDMA spokesperson said India released water from Ujh Barrage into the Ravi. And about 65,000 cusecs are set to reach in one day. He said nearly one-third of the released water arrived at Jassar Point.
Meanwhile, the local administration and relief agencies have made arrangements to deal with any untoward situation.
According to reports, the water level has increased in River Ravi while flood warnings have been issued in Hafizabad and Narowal. And relief camps have been set up at various places along rivers and canals.
Moreover, there is a possibility of heavy rains in Lahore, Sialkot and Narowal. With a risk of flooding in River Sutlej and associated tributaries including Bhimber, Deg, Palkho and Basantar.
India violates the treaty
Under the Indus Waters Treaty, which was brokered by the World Bank and signed between Pakistan and India in 1960. India has control over the waters of the three eastern rivers – the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. While Pakistan controls the waters of the three western rivers — the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum. India this week released thousands of cusecs of water into Pakistani rivers after alarming levels of heavy monsoon rains triggered floods in Indian cities.
“India has released 70,614 cusecs of water into River Sutlej from Harike,” the PDMA Punjab wrote on Twitter. “By tonight (Monday night) the water will enter Pakistan through district Kasur’s Ganda Singh.”
The Irrigation Department has said that the water situation in the Sutlej River is normal. It said that the water inflow at Islam Headworks is 3319 cusecs while the outflow is 2335 cusecs. The district administration says that low-lying area residents are being warned about possible flooding.
