PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has placed three districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on alert as water discharge from Tarbela Dam is expected to exceed 150,000 cusecs over the next 24 hours.

The warning covers Haripur, Swabi and Nowshera, where district administrations have been directed to take precautionary measures to protect residents.

According to the advisory, officials must closely monitor water levels in the Indus River and remain prepared for any emergency. Authorities have also been asked to pay particular attention to settlements located along riverbanks and other vulnerable areas.

The alert comes after a rock collapse at the under-construction Tarbela Fifth Extension Hydropower Project (T-5) caused water to enter a connecting tunnel and the powerhouse construction area.

However, officials have not established a direct link between the construction incident and the expected increase in downstream water discharge.

The PDMA has instructed the deputy commissioners of the three districts to ensure necessary safety arrangements during the advisory period. Its Emergency Operations Centre is also operational.

Residents can report emergencies or incidents through the PDMA helpline 1700.

The incident at Tarbela Dam occurred during excavation work on the second bench of the project’s connecting tunnel.

According to the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), a weak section of rock collapsed during excavation. The collapse allowed water from the intake pit to enter the connecting tunnel and the under-construction powerhouse.

An emergency was declared at the site, and construction activities were suspended. Workers were immediately moved to safer locations.

WAPDA confirmed that all workers were evacuated safely, with no injuries or loss of life reported in its statement.

The authority also said water from the intake pit had been completely drained. Dewatering operations at the under-construction powerhouse were subsequently started.

WAPDA rejected social media claims that the main T-5 tunnel had collapsed. It clarified that the main tunnel, powerhouse structure, tailrace culvert and switchyard had not been damaged.

Senior WAPDA officials, project engineers and contractors are assessing the situation and its possible impact on construction activities.

Meanwhile, the increased water discharge has prompted authorities to advise people living near the Indus River to exercise caution.

Swabi Deputy Commissioner Nasarullah Khan urged residents to avoid bathing, swimming and boating in the river. He also asked people to follow official safety instructions.

The district administrations of Haripur, Swabi and Nowshera are expected to maintain close surveillance throughout the alert period.

For now, the PDMA warning is a precautionary measure against increased river flows. Authorities have not announced a general evacuation order for the three districts.

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Residents are advised to stay away from riverbanks and follow further instructions issued by local administrations as the situation develops.