The Flood Forecasting Division has issued an urgent warning regarding exceptionally high flood levels in the Jhelum River. The warning forecasts stream levels between 350,000 to 450,000 cusecs in the next 24 hours. Authorities have urged all concerned to remain alert and prepared for potential flooding in the region.
Both the Indus River System Authority (Irsa) and the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) have responded positively to the warning, expressing confidence in their ability to manage the anticipated flood. According to Irsa spokesman Khalid Idrees Rana, the authority is optimistic about storing the entire incoming stream in Mangla Dam, which is equipped to handle the high water levels.
As of now, Mangla Dam stands at 1,186 feet, with the maximum capacity being 1,242 feet. This gives the dam the capacity to absorb additional water. Currently holding 3.41 million acre-feet of water, Mangla Dam can still store up to 7.3 million acre-feet, providing a significant buffer against the incoming floodwater.
Rana explained that Mangla Dam has no restrictions on its water storage, unlike Tarbela Dam, which can only store one foot of water per day once it reaches a certain level. This flexibility allows Mangla Dam to absorb up to three times the volume of water expected from the Jhelum River’s flood surge.
Wapda’s Azam Joya also assured that the authorities are well-prepared to handle the flood. He mentioned that a control room has been set up at Mangla Dam, and experts have been mobilized to monitor the situation and evaluate reports from the river and its tributaries. Joya added that the support team from Tarbela Dam is also on standby to assist the Mangla Dam team.
Mangla Dam’s General Manager, Fakhar Jahan, reassured the public that the situation at the dam is under control. He confirmed that the dam is being monitored vigilantly according to standard operating procedures. The hydrology directorate remains operational around the clock to track the water levels and ensure that any peak inflows are managed safely.
With ample storage capacity and continuous monitoring, the authorities are confident that they can absorb the floodwaters from the Jhelum River and manage the situation effectively.
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