Recent spells of continuous rainfall have significantly raised water levels in major dams across Pakistan, with Tarbela, Mangla, and Chashma nearing their maximum storage capacities. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has confirmed a sharp increase in water reserves, prompting heightened alert for downstream areas.
Over the past 15 days, national water reserves have grown by 3.56 million acre-feet, bringing the total usable storage to 7.371 million acre-feet. Tarbela Dam witnessed a 66-foot rise in water level, now standing at 1,520 feet. Mangla Dam’s level rose by 9 feet to 1,168 feet, while Chashma Barrage is nearly full at 648 feet, just one foot shy of its limit.
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In response to the increased inflow, NDMA has opened the spillways at Tarbela Dam, which may push Indus River flows from 260,000 to 270,000 cusecs. The agency has issued an advisory warning of elevated flood risk in surrounding areas.
Residents near riverbanks have been urged to exercise caution and refrain from recreational activities along watercourses. The NDMA continues to monitor the situation closely and has called on local administrations to remain on standby for any emergency developments.
