NDMA issues high alert as major flood threat looms over lower Indus

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that due to the severe flooding in all three eastern rivers, there is now a high risk of major flooding in the lower Indus River.

According to the NDMA, between September 3 and 4, floodwaters ranging from 900,000 to 950,000 cusecs are expected to pass through the Panjnad Headworks. If embankments are breached to divert the flow and minimize potential damage, the flow may be reduced to 825,000 to 900,000 cusecs.

The statement further added that between September 5 and 6, the Guddu Barrage could experience flows ranging from 800,000 to 1.1 million cusecs. If protective embankments are intentionally breached to divert water, the flow may reduce to between 750,000 and 900,000 cusecs.

Overall, the flow could reach up to 1.2 million cusecs, which would create an extremely high flood situation.

At the Sukkur Barrage, between September 6 and 7, flows of 800,000 to 1.1 million cusecs are expected, and at the Kotri Barrage, flows of 800,000 to 1 million cusecs are anticipated between September 8 and 9.

The NDMA has issued a high alert from September 12 to 13, warning that severe high-level flooding is expected in the lower regions of the Indus River. The heavy upstream flows may lead to a major flood situation downstream.

Low-lying and riverine areas are at high risk of overflow, embankment breaches, and submersion. Authorities have been directed to take immediate preventive measures.

The NDMA also stated that floodwaters may damage agricultural land, nearby settlements, villages, and infrastructure.