Pakistan on flood alert as heavy rains likely to lash Punjab

The Flood Forecasting Division Lahore (FFD) has issued a flood alert as heavy rains and thundershowers with gusty winds are expected in Punjab today (Sunday).

"Very high flood level is expected from September 23 in River Chenab at Marala and downstream, River Jhelum at Mangla, Rivers Ravi and Sutlej along with associated nullahs of Rivers Chenab and Ravi," the FFD said in a statement issued on Saturday. 

However, the scale of flood in Rivers Ravi and Sutlej in Pakistan depends on releases from India, the department added. 

"Flood situation in Pakistan in Rivers Sutlej and Ravi will depend upon the outflows from Indian reservoirs. 

"High to very high flood situation is expected in River Chenab along with associated nullahs of Rivers Chenab and Ravi. Flows are also likely to increase in River Jhelum," the FFD further stated. 

Yesterday, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned that Lahore, Sialkot, Hafizabad, and Narowal are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days.

“A strong weather system from Central India will pass between New Delhi and Lahore during Saturday evening to Monday afternoon which can cause heavy to very heavy rainfall,” the PDMA had said in a notification.