Dozens of villages in Kasur and Bahawalnagar villages were inundated as the water level in the River Sutlej increased on Sunday. Thousands were left shelter-less as floods destroyed crops on hundreds of acres, a private news channel reported.
Crops including maize, rice and fodder over 10,000 acres were inundated while the road infrastructure to the villages was destroyed. People are being located to the safer areas by boats. At least 45 villages in Bahawalnagar have been declared as part of the Red Zone. The water level in the River Sutlej continues to rise after India released more water into the river.
Flood alert at Tarbela: Indus River System Authority (IRSA) statistics show that the water level in the Tarbela Dam has touched 1550 feet, its maximum conservation level. The data shows the water inflow in the dam was recorded as 220,000 cusecs while outflow was recorded at 197,000 cusecs, a private TV channel reported. Similarly the water level in Mangla dam has risen to 1205 feet which is only 5 feet below maximum conservation level. Water level in Chashma barrage is 648 feet. IRSA warned of possible floods and advised all concerned to take precautionary measures. Dam Management Authorities have been advised to follow safety guidelines while controlling dam inflows and outflows.
More rains in lower Sindh: Meanwhile, the Met Office Weather Advisory forecasted heavy monsoon rains next week and warned of severe flooding in lower Sindh.
The Advisory forecasted that scattered rain/thundershowers expected in lower Sindh on Monday/Tuesday and advised authorities concerned to remain alert during the coming week from August 29 to September 3.
