Heavy rainfall in Pakistan’s upper catchment areas has increased water levels in the Indus River, with inflows at Guddu Barrage rising by around 45,000 cusecs over the past 24 hours, according to official water data.
The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) said the Indus River is expected to reach low flood level at Guddu Barrage within the next 48 hours as additional flows from the Panjnad and Taunsa barrages move downstream.
Current figures show water inflow at Guddu Barrage at 217,045 cusecs, while outflow stands at 182,185 cusecs.
At Sukkur Barrage, inflow was recorded at 126,380 cusecs and outflow at 71,660 cusecs.
Further downstream at Kotri Barrage, inflow was measured at 44,666 cusecs, with an outflow of 3,165 cusecs.
The FFD said the Chenab River is currently flowing at a medium flood level, while the Ravi River remains at a low flood level. However, both rivers are expected to rise to medium to high flood levels over the next 24 hours.
The Chenab at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad is forecast to remain at medium to high flood levels, while the Ravi is expected to reach similar levels at Balloki in Kasur and Sidhnai in Khanewal.
The FFD said the Indus at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa, the Kabul River at Nowshera, the Chenab at Marala and Trimmu, and the Ravi at Balloki and Sidhnai are currently experiencing low flood conditions, while all other major rivers are flowing within their normal ranges.
Authorities have placed the district administrations of Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal and Khanewal on high alert as further rainfall is forecast on Sunday.