950803

Danger to

Katcha areas

predicted

ALMAS A KHAN

LAHORE: The River Indus was flowing in exceptionally high flood with a rising trend hitting the danger mark at Guddu and Sukkur with a water discharge of 988665 and 953240 cusecs respectively.

The Flood Forecasting Bureau has predicted that the river was likely to stay almost at this level for at least three days, posing danger to what is described as 'Katcha' areas, adjoining the river.

While the River Indus was flowing in low flood at Tarbela and Taunsa barrages showing a discharge of 223000 and 280522 cusecs respectively, it was in medium flood at Kala Bagh and Chashma with a discharge of 326524 and 303127 cusecs Kotri also registered medium flood with a discharge of 452745 cusecs.

Meanwhile, big surge of water has passed through the Balloki headworks, now moving towards Sidhnai where the Ravi is in high flood with a rising discharge at 94841 cusecs which may continue for another two days, though, the river is reported to be normal everywhere.

The peak in the River Chenab was moving downstream of Sher Shah near Multan and was likely to reach Panjnad by Friday expected to range between 5,00,000 to 5,50,000 cusecs. The River Chenab was flowing at medium flood level except at Panjnad where a rising high flood was recorded with a water discharge of 478475 cusecs while at Marala, Khanki Qadirabad, and Trimmu it showed a water discharge of 1,23,200, 1,38,130, 1,46,392 and 2,61,506 cusecs respectively.

According to official reports reaching here, a flood peak in the Rangpur canal in district Muzaffargarh had reached its embankment and created a void measuring about 2000 feet which inundated many thousands acres of land leaving hundreds of dwellers homeless.

Speaking to Business Recorder, Regional Director of Flood Forecasting Burearu, Abdul Majid said that the seasonal low continued to be well marked resulting in the Southwest monsoon incursion over the Northern Bay of Bengal the Indian state of Bengal.

The forecast that the scattered thunder showers with isolated heavy falls over the upper catchments of all the major rivers were expected scattered rains may also occur over the Punjab and the NWFP.

According to the Punjab relief department the recent floods and torrential rains have claimed 33 lives while the official figure for the cattle was 17.