The flow of water in most of the rivers in Punjab has returned to normal, bringing great relief to the farmers and the citizens living along the river banks. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has confirmed that water levels in reservoirs and rivers across the province have now fallen below the danger mark.

Present situation of rivers in Punjab

According to the latest reports issued by the PDMA control room, the water discharge in the rivers Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej is balanced. There has been a reduction in the number of trains coming from India and the upper reaches of Azad Kashmir, after which the situation at all barrages is fully under control.

During the last few weeks, the districts of Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions were facing severe flood fears. The administration had made emergency preparations for the evacuation of the population from the low-lying areas and relief camps had also been set up. Now that the water has returned to normal, these safety measures are being brought back to normal levels.

Effects on agriculture and general life

Farmers in the agricultural areas of Punjab can now irrigate their crops without fear, as the threat of flooding to cotton, rice and sugarcane crops has averted for now. The normalization of water has also reduced the risk of disease spreading in rural areas which could have arisen due to standing flood water.

However, agriculturists say that sudden rains in the last days of the monsoon still pose a risk of burning in urban areas. The communication department will soon start the repair work of the rural roads damaged by the recent rains.

What you should do

Citizens living along riverbanks and in rough areas should avoid complete negligence as weather changes can take a new direction at any time.

  • Keep drainage channels around your houses clean so that rainwater does not stagnate.
  • Just follow the confirmed instructions of PDMA or Meteorological Department and don't pay heed to social media rumours.
  • Report any emergency or sudden rise of water to the district administration or rescue 1122 immediately.

What to watch next

The Inhar and Water Affairs Department is now working on a water storage strategy for the coming winter and Rabi crops. Water storage levels in Mangala and Tarbela dams are being monitored to meet agricultural needs during the dry months, while federal and provincial agencies are prepared to deal with any climate change.