India Threatens to Release Water Amidst Heavy Rains, Emergency Declared at Mangla Dam

Islamabad, Pakistan: In the wake of a potential threat from India to release 400,000 cusecs of water, Mangla Dam authorities have taken emergency measures. Local administration has issued an emergency notification and an alert has been declared. Mosques have been used to announce warnings and inform the public about the possible threat.
According to officials, all relevant departments are on high alert, with rescue services, local authorities, and WAPDA officials closely monitoring the situation. Residents in low-lying areas near the dam have been advised to move to safer locations.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that if India releases the water, areas surrounding Mangla could be severely impacted, and all precautionary measures have been taken in light of this risk. Authorities have urged the public to avoid rumors and follow only official instructions.
Heavy Rainfall and Glacier Melting Raise Alarm in Punjab Rivers, PDMA Issues Alert
Following recent heavy rainfall and glacier melt, water flow in rivers across Punjab has surged, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue an alert to local administrations. According to the PDMA spokesperson, the water levels at various locations in the Indus River, including Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa, have reached low-level flood stages. The Chenab River at Khanki is also experiencing a similar situation, with an inflow of 340,000 cusecs and an outflow of 320,000 cusecs.
Further reports indicate that Kalabagh has an inflow of 332,000 cusecs and an outflow of 324,000 cusecs, while Taunsa’s inflow has reached 363,000 cusecs with an outflow of 357,000 cusecs. The water flow at Chashma is at 340,000 cusecs inflow and 320,000 cusecs outflow, while Tarbela’s flow stands at 350,000 cusecs.
However, water levels in the Ravi, Jhelum, and Sutlej Rivers are currently normal, and the situation at Chenab River’s Marala, Qadirabad, and Trimmu locations is also stable.
The PDMA has warned that between July 22 and 24, major rivers in Punjab may experience severe flooding. Currently, the water flow in the seasonal rivers of Dera Ghazi Khan is normal.
Reservoirs at Risk as Mangla and Tarbela Dams Near Capacity
Meanwhile, water levels at Mangla Dam have reached 50%, while Tarbela is at 79% capacity. The PDMA has been closely monitoring water levels at India’s dams on the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi Rivers, where water levels are reported to be at 36%, which is being continuously observed.
The Director General of PDMA has urged residents to take precautions during the monsoon season, avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather, and refrain from touching power lines or poles to prevent accidents.