Pakistan’s Tarbela Dam has reached 100 percent capacity, while Mangla Dam has filled up to 74 percent, raising the possibility that Tarbela’s spillways may be opened at any time, 24NewsHD reported on Wednesday.
According to officials, Tarbela’s water level has reached its maximum conservation level of 1,550 feet. If inflows continue to rise, WAPDA will be compelled to release water through spillways to prevent overflow and maintain dam safety.
Authorities have warned that downstream communities may face flood risks once the spillways are opened. Emergency management units are on alert to deal with any situation.
Tarbela, the world’s largest earth-filled dam, lies on the Indus River in Haripur Tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Constructed in 1976, it is a vital source of irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation.
Its reservoir, known as Tarbela Lake, spans about 250 square kilometres with a storage capacity of 11.9 billion cubic metres.
The dam currently has a power generation capacity of 4,888 MW, which is expected to expand to 6,418 MW following the completion of its fifth extension financed by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, making it the 12th largest hydroelectric dam in the world.
Reporter: Hashir Warraich