Naveed Ahmad Khan

ISLAMABAD  : India released 185,000 cusecs of water into River Ravi, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said Sunday, as it warned that the main deluge would start affecting the area in the next 20 to 24 hours.

Moreover, the NDMA also asked the administration and the relevant departments in the vulnerable area to enhance preparedness.

Last year, the Indian authorities had released 173 cusecs of water into the river – which was handed over to India under the Indus Waters Treaty along with Sutlej and Beas in 1960.

On the other hand, Gujrat deputy commissioner said high flood in Gujrat could affect 59 villages – a seasonal phenomenon after monsoon downpour in the river’s catchment area.

The Chenab is flowing at 122,000 cusecs at Marala with low level flood and there is possibility that 170,000 cusecs of water will flow in coming 24 hours.

Similarly water was flowing at 63,000 cusecs near Nowshera.

Earlier, the NDMA said a total of 76 people had so far lost their lives since June 25 – the start of monsoon season – across Pakistan, said

It added that nine more deaths and injuries to another eight were reported during the last 24 hours. Five of these victims were from Punjab, bringing the death toll in the province to 48 which is highest in the country.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is second the list with 20 deaths followed by five in Balochistan and three in Azad Kashmir.

Out of the 76 dead people, 30 were men, 15 women and 31 children, the NDMA said, adding that 78 houses had also been damaged.

As far as the injured people are concerned, the total stands at 133 – men (48), women (38) and children (48).

During the last 24 hours, the highest amount of rain 111 mm was recorded in Nagarparkar (Sindh). In Punjab, Narowal received the heaviest rain with 36mm while it was Kakul 21mm in the case of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Mainly dry weather is expected in most parts of the country in the next 24 hours. However, rain/thundershower is expected in Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab and southeast Sindh.