Authorities alert communities in Attock and Haripur as Indus River flow is expected to increase following additional water releases from Tarbela Dam.
ATTOCK/HARIPUR: 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, prompting district administrations in Attock and Haripur to issue alerts and advise residents near the river to take precautionary measures.
The river’s flow is expected to increase over the next 24 hours, raising concerns for communities living in potentially affected areas. Residents have been advised to follow official instructions and take steps to protect their families, livestock and property.
The Attock district administration has specifically urged residents of Chhachh village, located near the Indus River, to remain alert. Warnings have also been issued for several areas of Hazro tehsil.
Residents have been instructed to move their livestock to safer locations without delay. Meanwhile, the Hazro administration has arranged announcements through local mosques to inform communities about the expected rise in water levels.
Earlier, a notification was issued regarding the release of 150,000 cusecs of water from Tarbela Dam into the Indus River during the evening.
According to figures provided by the provincial irrigation adviser, 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. The process is expected to be completed by noon.
Water enters Tarbela hydropower project tunnel
Separately, excavation 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, allowing water to enter the tunnel and powerhouse area.
A WAPDA spokesperson said water had been completely drained from the intake pit. The spokesperson added that the project’s main tunnel, under-construction powerhouse and switchyard had not sustained any damage.
All local and foreign workers were safely evacuated following the incident, according to the spokesperson.
WAPDA also rejected reports claiming that Tarbela Tunnel No. 5 had collapsed, describing them as incorrect.
However, sources said construction work on the extension project had been suspended following the incident.
The developments come as authorities prepare for a possible increase in the Indus River’s flow following additional releases from the dam.
District administrations have urged residents in potentially affected areas to remain vigilant, relocate livestock to safer places and comply with official safety instructions.
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