LAHORE:

For days, torrential monsoon rains have pounded Punjab, but authorities on Sunday warned of greater peril after India released a massive surge from Salal Dam without notice, even as the Met Department forecast more heavy rains over the next 72 hours.

Punjab's Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said the release is expected to drive some 800,000 cusecs of water into the Chenab within 48 hours, sparking fears of "extremely high flood" conditions across multiple districts.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said all districts along the Chenab were placed on high alert, with district administration officers instructed to remain in the field. "The next 36 hours are critical," he warned, stressing that the water level could reach dangerous levels at Head Marala.

So fa

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