India’s release of water into the Chenab River has raised water levels to medium flood status at the Marala Headworks, the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) said on Wednesday.
According to the FFD, the river’s flow at Marala has increased to 176,000 cusecs, significantly up from 70,000 cusecs recorded just two days earlier. The division expressed concern that the rising water could flood hundreds of acres of agricultural land across several districts, including Sialkot, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Chiniot, and Jhang.
Officials have warned of a potential increase in river discharge, urging local authorities to remain on high alert. The FFD has already issued warnings for a medium to high flood risk at Marala Barrage, with moderate flooding also expected at Khanki and Qadirabad headworks within the next 24 hours.
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The latest developments come amid heightened monitoring of Pakistan’s rivers during the ongoing monsoon season. Meteorological forecasts suggest that another monsoon system may reach the region by August 5, which could lead to a further rise in water levels, particularly in the Indus and other major rivers.
The FFD has called on disaster management authorities and district administrations to take preventive measures to avoid damage to crops and settlements near the riverbanks. Emergency response teams have also been put on standby.