Warning Issued for People Downstream Tarbela Dam Ahead of Water Release

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a warning for people downstream to stay away from the banks of the Indus River ahead of the Tarbela Dam’s spillways being opened. The spillways would be opened at 2:30pm on Sunday, with the water level likely to reach 160,000 to 260,000 cusecs due to the release of water from the dam. Flooding is likely in the Indus River and its tributaries and canals. The PDMA directs the district administration to keep the local population alert and urges the public to avoid going near rivers and canals. Parents are cautioned that children should not go near canals. Fishermen and livestock keepers should move to safer places. Tourists and locals were urged to heed the advisory. In case of any untoward situation, the public should call 1700. The Tarbela Dam spillways were likely to be put into operation for the first time in the flood season 2025. The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a weather alert warning that moderate to heavy monsoon rains are expected to affect multiple regions of the country for a three-day period commencing from July 13 (Sunday). Moderate to heavy monsoon rainfall is expected across various regions of Pakistan, resulting in substantial rises in river flows, notably in the Indus, Kabul, Jhelum (upstream of Mangla), and Chenab rivers. Tarbela, Taunsa, and Guddu barrages are currently at low flood levels, while Kalabagh and Chashma are at medium flood levels.