Pakistan’s Tarbela and Mangla Dams Reach Near Capacity, Heightening Flood Risk

The Tarbela and Mangla dams, two of Pakistan’s largest water reservoirs, are nearing capacity due to heavy rainfall in the region. The dams, which are located on the Indus River, have been filling up rapidly over the past few weeks, with the water level at Tarbela Dam reaching 1534.5 feet, just 10 feet below its maximum capacity. The Mangla Dam, on the other hand, has reached a water level of 1237 feet, which is just 17 feet below its maximum capacity. The increasing water levels in the dams have raised concerns about the risk of flooding in the region, particularly in the downstream areas. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecasted more rainfall in the coming days, which is expected to further increase the water levels in the dams. The authorities have warned that if the water levels continue to rise, it could lead to flooding in the nearby areas, affecting thousands of people. The Tarbela Dam, which is located in the Swabi district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has a maximum capacity of 1550 feet, while the Mangla Dam, located in the Mirpur district of Azad Kashmir, has a maximum capacity of 1254 feet. The dams are critical for Pakistan’s water supply and electricity generation, but the increasing water levels have created a challenging situation for the authorities. The government has issued warnings to the people living in the downstream areas, advising them to be prepared for any eventuality. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also been put on high alert, with teams and equipment being deployed to the affected areas. The NDMA has also established a flood emergency control room to monitor the situation and respond to any emergencies. The Pakistan Army has also been deployed to the affected areas to assist in the evacuation of people and to provide relief to those affected by the flooding. The authorities have also warned that the flooding could affect the agricultural land and crops in the region, which could have a significant impact on the country’s food security. The government has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to mitigate the effects of the flooding and to ensure the safety of the people. The situation is being closely monitored, and the authorities are working to ensure that the dams do not overflow, which could lead to catastrophic consequences. The Tarbela and Mangla dams are not only critical for Pakistan’s water supply and electricity generation but also play a crucial role in regulating the flow of water in the Indus River. The dams help to control the flow of water, preventing flooding in the downstream areas and ensuring a steady supply of water for irrigation and drinking purposes. However, the increasing water levels in the dams have created a challenging situation, and the authorities are working to ensure that the situation is brought under control. The government has also appealed to the people to cooperate with the authorities and to follow the instructions being issued by the NDMA and other agencies. The situation is being closely monitored, and the authorities are working to ensure that the people are safe and that the effects of the flooding are minimized. The Tarbela and Mangla dams are a vital part of Pakistan’s water infrastructure, and the government is working to ensure that they continue to function effectively and efficiently. The authorities are also working to improve the water management systems in the country, to reduce the risk of flooding and to ensure a steady supply of water for all purposes.

Source