ISLAMABAD:
Amid relentless rainfall in the upper regions and the water level in Tarbela Dam surging, prompting authorities to open the dam’s spillways to manage the inflow.
The operation was scheduled for 12pm on Friday, according to officials, who have issued an alert for citizens residing along the spillway routes to remain cautious.
The spillway release is likely to result in flood-like conditions in the Indus River, they added.
According to a spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the opening of the spillways may cause the flow of water to increase significantly, ranging between 260,000 to 270,000 cusecs.
In light of the projected surge, the NDMA has strongly advised residents in adjacent regions to stay clear of riverbanks and water channels.
Meanwhile, five individuals who became trapped in the River Indus near Hund were safely rescued on Friday evening after a sudden rise in water levels caused by the opening of Tarbela Dam’s spillways.
According to officials, the incident occurred while the individuals were swimming in the river when the water level rapidly surged, leaving them stranded.
The rise in water was triggered by continuous rains in the upper regions, prompting authorities to release water from the dam earlier in the day.
Upon receiving the distress call, a Rescue 1122 team from Swabi swiftly reached the scene. Equipped with a rescue boat, life jackets and other safety gear, the team launched an immediate operation and successfully brought all five individuals to safety.
Local residents have been advised to adopt preventive measures and to avoid venturing near rivers or any high-risk water passages during this period of intensified flow.
Meanwhile, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Friday released 275,954 cusecs of water from various rim stations with an inflow of 408,931 cusecs.
According to the data released by IRSA, the water level in the River Indus at Tarbela Dam was 1,520.00 feet, which was 118.00 feet higher than the dead level of 1402.00 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam was recorded as 272,900 cusecs and 151,500 cusecs, respectively.
The water level in the River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1,178.50 feet, which was 128.50 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded as 21,577 cusecs and 10,000 cusecs, respectively.
The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa, Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 203,798, 178,886, 122,717 and 54,770 cusecs, respectively.
