More water may be released from Tarbela Dam into Indus tonight, authorities issue alerts

Authorities have warned of a further increase in water flow in the Indus River after additional water is expected to be released from Tarbela Dam tonight.

Authorities have warned of a further increase in water flow in the Indus River after additional water is expected to be released from Tarbela Dam tonight.

The river’s flow is likely to rise further over the next 24 hours prompting district administrations in Attock and Haripur to issue alerts and advise residents living near the river to take precautionary measures.

The Attock district administration has specifically urged people in Chhachh village located near the Indus River to remain cautious. Alerts have also been issued for several areas of Hazro tehsil.

Residents have been advised to move their livestock to safer locations without delay. The Hazro administration has also arranged announcements through local mosques to inform communities about the expected increase in water levels.

Earlier, a notification was issued for the release of 150,000 cusecs of water from Tarbela Dam into the Indus River during the evening.

According to the provincial irrigation adviser’s figures the water flow at Hund was recorded at 133,737 cusecs.

Meanwhile, authorities have been lowering the water level at Tarbela Dam to 1,490 feet with the process expected to be completed by noon.

Water enters Tarbela hydropower project tunnel

Separately work on the Tarbela Extension Hydropower Project was affected after a section of weak rock collapsed during excavation of the second bench of a connecting tunnel. Water subsequently entered the tunnel and powerhouse area.

A WAPDA spokesperson said water had been completely drained from the intake pit and that the project’s main tunnel under-construction powerhouse and switchyard had not sustained damage.

All local and foreign workers were safely evacuated, the spokesperson added.

WAPDA also rejected reports that Tarbela Tunnel No. 5 had collapsed describing the claims as incorrect. According to sources construction work on the extension project was suspended following the incident.

Authorities have urged communities in potentially affected areas to follow official instructions and take precautions as water releases from the dam could increase the Indus River’s flow.