CHARSADDA: The Plai Dam has reached its maximum capacity, leading to significant overflow and causing moderate flooding in the Jandi River downstream. The dam’s current water level is at 1450 feet, matching its maximum storage level. Water is now flowing over the spillway.
This overflow is sending approximately 8000 cusecs of water into the Jandi River, impacting several areas downstream. The affected locations include Kanivar, Sherpao, Umarzai, Tarrangzai, Rajar, and Charsadda City. The Jandi River ultimately flows into the Kabul River.
Authorities are issuing an urgent public safety warning. Despite the dangerous flood conditions, local residents continue to use temporary pipe causeways built across the Jandi River to cross. Officials stress this is extremely hazardous and must stop immediately.
Relevant authorities and institutions have been directed to take immediate action. This includes warning the local populations in the affected areas, preventing access to the pipe causeways on the Jandi River, and advising people about alternative safe routes. The public is strictly advised to stay away from riverbanks entirely.
An immediate awareness campaign is being launched involving district administration, police, rescue services, and media to prevent loss of life and property. Due to the fast flow and overflow at Plai Dam, residents living near Kanivar, Jandi, and Sherpao are specifically informed to move to safer places immediately.
The Assistant Commissioner of Tangi, Waqas Afridi, has appealed to residents of Tangi Tehsil, particularly Kanwar and Sherpao areas along the Jandi River banks, to remain extremely vigilant. Authorities warn that the narrowness of the river in some sections heightens flood risks. Continuous rains have raised concerns about a potential major flood in the river. An immediate alert has been issued for all residents near the Jandi River, with instructions to shift women and children to safe locations as a precaution.
In a related incident, police and local residents in Tangi successfully rescued four people from Punjab who were caught in the floodwaters.
Also read:Locals lead relief efforts after torrential rain swamps Charsadda
