Rawal Dam Flood Warning Issued Amid Heavy Rains
The flood warning has been issued for the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma, and the PDMA has advised people to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The situation is being closely monitored, and rescue efforts are underway to assist those affected by the floods.
Punjab's Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high flood warning for the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma, following the province's deadliest day of the monsoon season, which claimed at least 63 lives. The warning comes as record-breaking rainfall swept across parts of Punjab, triggering flash flooding in Rawalpindi and widespread flooding in Chakwal.
The Flood Forecasting Division has warned that the Indus River is likely to reach high flood levels at Kalabagh and Chashma within the next 24 hours. The PDMA has directed district administrations to activate flood monitoring and early warning systems, ensure Rescue 1122 remains on high alert, and establish relief and medical camps. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast a further deterioration in weather conditions, warning of scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall across Punjab from July 20 to 25.
Heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread flooding in Punjab, with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) forecasting five more spells of rain in the coming days, leading to rising water levels. At least 15 people have died and 53 injured across the country in the last 24 hours due to the rains, with 11 deaths reported from Punjab. The PDMA has directed authorities to strengthen embankments, establish relief and medical camps, and stockpile essential medicines and food.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with over 1,000 people rescued along the Potohar plateau. The Met Office has forecasted another spell of monsoon rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from July 20-25, accompanied by wind and thundershowers. The KP PDMA has warned of the risks of urban flooding, landslides, and disruption in daily routines, and the situation near Rawal Dam remains critical.