NDMA Issues Flood Alert for Ravi as Inflows Surge

News Desk

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday issued a medium-level flood alert for River Ravi over the next 48 hours, citing heavy rainfall in upstream catchments and rising inflows from Thein Dam.

According to NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), nullahs originating from the Pir Panjal Range — including Bein, Basantar and Deg — are expected to swell, with potential flooding at Jassar within 24 hours.

Hydrological data shows that sustained rainfall has pushed inflows at Thein Dam to 1,717 feet, around 86 percent of its capacity. Downstream releases from the dam, combined with rising discharges of nullahs on the Indian side, are likely to further elevate river flows.

Currently, the River Ravi at Kot Naina is discharging 64,000 cusecs and may cause low to medium floods at Jassar within 24 hours. Authorities warn the situation could escalate to high flood levels if additional spillway releases occur alongside continued rainfall until August 27.

Residents of low-lying and flood-prone areas along the Ravi and its nullahs have been urged to remain alert, avoid riverbanks, and follow official advisories through TV, radio, mobile alerts and the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app. They are advised to keep emergency kits with food, water and medicines for 3–5 days, secure household valuables and livestock, and avoid crossing causeways, low bridges or flooded roads.

Local administrations may issue evacuation orders if required. NDMA has instructed all concerned authorities and emergency services to stay on high alert to ensure a timely response. The authority said it is closely monitoring the situation through NEOC and coordinating with provincial and district disaster management bodies.