- Web Desk
- 54 Minutes ago
Water level in Rawal Dam reaches perilous levels
- Web Desk
- Sep 06, 2024
ISLAMABAD: The water level in the Rawal Dam reached 1,752 feet, leading the district administration to announce that the spillways will be activated at 6 am tomorrow.
The situation alarmed the authorities as concerns regarding potential flooding and its associated destruction of nearby communities grows.
Read more: Spillways opened as Hub Dam fills to capacity
Rawal Dam serves as a critical water source for the country’s capital and its adjacent area, providing water for residential, agricultural and industrial needs.
However, the current level poses serious threats. When reservoirs approach their maximum limit, the likelihood of overflow increases. This can lead to uncontrolled water discharge and subsequent flash floods in downstream areas.
The decision to open the spillways is one measure to regulate water level and avert disasters. However, this also requires quick change in water flow into the adjacent rivers and streams. This, in turn, raises water level in the local water inlets.
Residents live in low-lying areas near the dam are especially vulnerable, as sudden increases in water levels can result in property damage, crop loss and even pose threats to human safety.
The on-going excessive rainfall is the the reason behind recent spike in water levels at Rawal Dam. The current monsoons have already wreaked havoc across the country, with several areas suffering from flooding in past two months alone.
With rains to continue in next few weeks, the threat of water in the Rawal Dam reaching dangerous levels remains.
Read more: Yemen floods kill nearly 100 and damage scores of homes
Long-term, this also impacts the local infrastructure. Flooding can damage roads, bridges, and other structures. Already struggling with free-falling inflation, Pakistan simply does not have the funds required to repair damaged infrastructure.
It has has long term impact on local environment, with entire ecosystems disrupted with constant flooding.