Lahore – Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has reported a “decreasing trend” in water flows at Shahdara Headworks on the Ravi River, bringing some relief to areas upstream. However, he cautioned that floodwaters are now rising at Balloki, where the situation remains critical.
Addressing the media, Kathia said the largest deluge in the Ravi has reached Balloki, recording flows of 211,000 cusecs, which also include water from the outfall of Nankana Sahib’s Daek nullah. He warned that the surge would continue to build as it moves downstream and eventually merge with the Chenab River at Sidhnai Headworks, potentially intensifying the flood situation further.
The PDMA chief highlighted the importance of controlled breaches of protective dykes, explaining that these measures were taken to divert water and protect vulnerable communities. He noted that there had been a change in the “time lapses” of water flows, requiring constant monitoring and updated forecasting.
Kathia further predicted that between 6am and 9am tomorrow, water levels at Trimmu Headworks could rise dramatically to 830,000 cusecs. He praised the authorities’ “timely” decision to blow up dykes, saying it had saved lives by diverting excess water away from populated areas.
The PDMA continues to coordinate with district administrations and rescue agencies to manage evacuations, provide relief to displaced families, and strengthen embankments in high-risk zones. Officials have urged the public to remain alert, follow evacuation advisories, and cooperate with rescue teams as rivers continue to swell under the impact of heavy monsoon inflows.
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