 "Heavy Rain Alert: Punjab, Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir Face Flood Threat October 6-7")
Heavy Rain Alert: Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Brace for Significant Downpour
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather warning for parts of North India. A forecast for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is in effect for Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh on October 6th and 7th.
According to meteorological predictions, Punjab could see an average of 110 mm of rain, Jammu & Kashmir around 120 mm, and Himachal Pradesh may receive between 160 mm to 180 mm. An orange alert has been declared for Himachal and Jammu & Kashmir, while heavy rain warnings have been issued for 12 districts in Punjab.
In a proactive move to mitigate potential flooding, the Punjab government has begun pre-emptive water release from several major dams. Water is being discharged from the Ranjit Sagar Dam into the Ravi River. Officials increased the outflow significantly, releasing 37,686 cusecs of water after opening three dam gates by one meter each.
Current water levels are being closely monitored. The Ranjit Sagar Dam’s level was recorded at 523.53 meters, approximately four feet below the danger mark. Similarly, the Pong Dam is about two feet below its danger level, with the Beas River currently flowing at 17,171 cusecs. The Bhakra Dam is releasing a maximum of 32,800 cusecs into the Sutlej River.
Authorities have expressed concern that if the predicted heavy rain occurs, excess water could enter the Ravi River through 22 local choes (streams). In preparation, the Punjab government has also written to the Haryana government, requesting the regulation of the Kaushalya Dam to help manage incoming water flow from the hills.
