Published on: August 27, 2025 11:02 AM
Pakistan’s Tarbela Dam has reached 100 percent capacity, while Mangla Dam is already 74 percent full, creating fears that spillways could be opened anytime to prevent overflow. Authorities confirmed that Tarbela’s water level has touched its maximum conservation point of 1,550 feet, and rising inflows are putting enormous pressure on the reservoir.
Officials stated that if water levels continue to climb, WAPDA will have no choice but to release water through Tarbela’s spillways to ensure dam safety. However, such action may place downstream communities under significant flood risk. Therefore, emergency management units have been placed on high alert, preparing resources and evacuation plans to handle any sudden crisis.
Tarbela, situated on the Indus River in Haripur Tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is the world’s largest earth-filled dam. Constructed in 1976, it remains a vital source of irrigation, flood regulation, and power generation. With the current conditions, its massive storage capacity has reached a critical point, forcing officials to closely monitor inflows around the clock.
Moreover, the dam’s reservoir, known as Tarbela Lake, covers nearly 250 square kilometers and holds 11.9 billion cubic meters of water. Experts warn that continuous inflows from upstream rains and glacial melt could further strain the dam’s limits. This situation highlights the delicate balance between flood control and water storage for agricultural and energy needs.
At the same time, Tarbela currently generates 4,888 megawatts of electricity, with expansion projects underway to increase capacity to 6,418 megawatts. Backed by financing from the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the fifth extension will soon make Tarbela the twelfth-largest hydroelectric dam globally. However, immediate attention remains fixed on managing the looming flood risks.
Finally, disaster authorities have appealed to downstream populations to stay alert and follow evacuation warnings if spillways are opened. With Mangla Dam also filling quickly and rainfall continuing, Pakistan’s water infrastructure faces intense pressure. Officials stressed that coordinated management, early warnings, and community cooperation will be critical in minimizing potential losses from this evolving crisis.
