MANSEHRA: The management of the Suki Kinari Hydropower Project has warned that it may open the spillways of the reservoir following a sharp increase in water inflows caused by heavy rainfall and swelling rivers and streams in the upper parts of Kaghan valley.
“We have already issued warnings to families living along streams and the Kunhar River after the Provincial Disaster Management Authority forecast rising river levels and the possibility of glacial lake outburst floods due to the recent heatwave,” Assistant Commissioner, Balakot, Hasrat Khan told reporters on Tuesday.
According to a warning issued by the Suki Kinari Hydropower Project, its management was in close coordination with the district administration and other relevant departments as water inflows into the reservoir have increased significantly following heavy rains in the upper reaches of Kaghan valley.
“The water level in the reservoir has reached a critical level, and the company has issued a yellow alert and decided to open the spillways anytime,” the warning said.It added that the discharge would range between 16 and 180 cubic metres per second.
The warning stated that the increased discharge could cause a sharp rise in the water level of the Kunhar River and its tributaries downstream, posing a threat to human life, livestock and property.
“Strictly follow the district administration’s advisories, avoid crossing rivers and streams, and keep your families and tourists away from riverbanks in Kaghan valley and downstream areas,” it added.
The warning also advised residents living downstream to move to safer locations away from rivers and streams to avoid any emergency arising from the increased water discharge and possible flooding.
