Chenab, Ravi nullahs may enter high flood category

LAHORE: The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of possible high flooding in storm-water nullahs linked to the Chenab and Ravi rivers from Aug 15 to 21 as flows in these waterways continue to rise. The FFD said flows at major rim-gauging stations of the Chenab and Ravi were expected to remain at low flood levels during the period, while adjoining nullahs could experience low to medium flooding. However, a significant increase in flows in tributary nullahs could lead to high flood levels. It forecast no significant increase in inflows at major gauging stations of the Indus, Kabul, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej over the next 24 hours, although several stations could reach low flood levels. Flows at Taunsa, Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad and Sidhnai are expected to enter the low-flood range, while Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Balloki are likely to remain at low flood levels. The FFD also warned of flash flooding in tributary streams of the Kabul River and hill torrents in the Dera Ghazi Khan division during the forecast period. Tarbela at maximum conservation level as Mangla 67pc full According to the FFD, Tarbela Dam, Kalabagh and Chashma on the Indus were experiencing low-level flooding on Friday evening, with flows of 268,200, 365,870 and 321,667 cusecs, respectively, recorded at 6pm on Aug 14. The department forecast widespread rain, wind and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls, over the upper catchments of all major rivers during the next 24 hours. The areas include Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and several districts of upper Punjab. The FFD said Tarbela reservoir had attained its maximum conservation level, while Mangla was yet to reach its maximum, with the reservoir 67 per cent full. Meanwhile, according to Wapda’s daily report for Aug 14, inflows and outflows at Tarbela were recorded at 274,100 and 273,300 cusecs, respectively. At Nowshera, inflows and outflows of the Ka