The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood alert across several regions until September 3, warning of a sharp rise in water levels due to expected heavy rainfall and dam releases.
According to the National Emergency Operations Centre report, the Sutlej River is already experiencing an extraordinary flow of 253,068 cusecs, with forecasts of an additional 300,000 cusecs due to further rainfall in the upper catchments and water releases from reservoirs.
At Jassar, the Ravi River currently has a normal flow of 60,094 cusecs, but water levels may surge up to 150,000 cusecs following fresh rain and releases from the Thein Dam. Similarly, the Chenab River at Marala is witnessing a lower-level flow of 94,728 cusecs, which could escalate into a high flood due to heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir and releases from major dams including Salal, Baglihar, and Dulhasti.
The NDMA warned that feeder streams like Bin, Basantar, Degh, Jammu Tawi, and Munawar Tawi could swell dangerously, raising risks of breaches in protective embankments, submerging low-lying areas, and damaging crops and settlements.
Local residents, farmers, and authorities have been urged to remain on high alert, follow evacuation orders, and move to safer locations immediately. The NDMA emphasized avoiding unnecessary travel in flood-hit areas, preparing emergency kits (water, food, medicines), safeguarding important documents, and using the NDMA Disaster Alert App for guidance.
The authority confirmed that under the Prime Minister’s directives, it is actively monitoring all rescue and relief operations in coordination with civil and military institutions, with the National Emergency Operations Centre operating 24/7.