Indus River Flood Warning Issued as Heavy Rainfall Hits Pakistan

Widespread precipitation forecasted across northern Pakistan through mid-August is expected to intensify discharge along the main stem of the Indus River, according to alerts released by water management authorities.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department's Flood Forecasting Division projects that a spell of rain lasting until August 17 over Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and upper Punjab will expand runoff into primary catchment areas, feeder streams, and seasonal rivulets.

Downstream hydraulic structures are already experiencing elevated volumes. Analysts note that Guddu Barrage in northern Sindh is anticipated to transition to a medium flood classification within 24 hours, having recently recorded outflows of 253,366 cusecs. Meanwhile, Sukkur Barrage is likely to reach a low flood stage.

Upstream installations along the river continue to handle substantial discharge. Low-grade flood conditions remain active at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa barrages, where recent water discharges reached 257,581 cusecs at Kalabagh and 295,570 cusecs at Taunsa.

In contrast to the rising trajectory along the Indus, hydrological gauges across the Kabul, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers show steady inflows without immediate signs of major surging, as detailed in reports from Dawn Pakistan.