The North News
Chandigarh, August 28
Large parts of Punjab are battling floods after the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers overflowed due to heavy rainfall in their catchment areas. Several villages across the state have been submerged, forcing the evacuation of residents to safer locations. Officials warned that the next three to four days will be critical, as more rain in Himachal Pradesh could push the Bhakra Dam towards its danger mark. The water level at the Gobind Sagar reservoir of the dam currently stands at 1671.90 feet, just under 8 feet below the danger level of 1680 feet.
Four floodgates of the Bhakra Dam have been opened by three feet each since last night to ease pressure. At present, the inflow of water into the dam is 53,856 cusecs, while 45,882 cusecs are being released through turbines and floodgates.
The situation is compounded as 1.10 lakh cusecs of water will be released from the Pong Dam today, prompting alerts in downstream low-lying areas.
At Nangal Dam, water is being diverted into different canals and the Sutlej River, with the Nangal Hydel Channel carrying 12,500 cusecs and the Anandpur Hydel Channel 10,150 cusecs. The flow in the Sutlej River has increased by 4,800 cusecs since last night, bringing the total discharge to 25,950 cusecs. Authorities remain on high alert as rescue and relief operations continue.
