LAHORE: Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday warned of possible increase in the river Indus’ flow, stating it may reach the medium flood level category at Guddu Barrage in the next 24 hours, while at Sukkur Barrage it is also likely to be in low-level flood stage, whereas low-level flooding is expected to persist at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa barrages.

The FFD sees no significant increase in inflows at the major gauging stations of the rivers Kabul, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej during the period under review.

According to the forecast, the prevailing weather conditions and analysis suggest that rainfall is likely in Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Punjab till Aug 17.

“The rainfall may result in increased flows at key river gauging stations in the upper catchments, as well as in adjoining streams and nullahs,” it warns, adding that low-level flooding has been reported at three barrages on the river Indus, with outflows recorded at 257,581 cusecs at Kalabagh, 295,570 cusecs at Taunsa and 253,366 cusecs at Guddu.

According to the daily water report issued by the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), the Indus inflows and outflows at Tarbela were recorded on Monday at 199,100 cusecs and 169,300 cusecs, respectively, while the river Kabul at Nowshera has inflows of 36,200 cusecs and outflows of 36,200 cusecs. River Jhelum at Mangla had inflows of 38,300 cusecs and outflows of 7,000 cusecs, followed by river Chenab at Marala having inflows of 70,100 cusecs and outflows of 56,200 cusecs, the report says.

While discussing the water level in reservoirs, the report mentions that the Tarbela Dam attained its maximum conservation level of 1,550 feet with live storage of 5.580 MAF on Monday morning (6am). Mangla dam water conservation level reached 1206.90 feet, around 35 feet short of the maximum conservation level of 1,242 feet. The live storage was recorded 4.683 MAF.

Chashma lake also almost attained its maximum conservation level, as its current level has reached 648.50 feet – just half feet less than the total 649 feet maximum conservation level. The live storage was recorded at 0.285 MAF.

“The inflows and outflows of the river Indus at Tarbela, Jinnah and Chashma, of the river Kabul at Nowshera and river Jhelum at Mangla have been reflected as mean flows of 24 hours, whereas the other flows have been gauged at 6am on Monday,” the report says.

DC: Lahore Deputy Commissioner retired Captain Mohammad Ali Ejaz on Monday visited the river Ravi to review the water flow and flood-prevention arrangements in the city.

The visit was aimed at assessing government agencies’ preparedness to protect people in case of a rise in the river level.

The DC directed the officials to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of the river and stressed that no negligence in reporting water levels would be tolerated. He also ordered that real-time data be provided to control rooms.

During the visit, the DC was briefed on the current water level in the Ravi, inflows and outflows, and the situation in nearby localities. He directed the field teams to remain alert around the clock so that any unusual development could be reported promptly. He was also briefed on the sites designated for flood relief camps and the facilities available there in case of flooding.

He said the protection of life and property was the district administration’s top priority and that all necessary resources and machinery are ready to deal with any emergency.

Although the water flow in the river was currently normal, the DC said the administration is closely monitoring the situation.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2026