The Tarbela Dam water storage fell to historically low levels after a drought that lasted for years, raising concerns of reduced hydroelectric output.
The current water level of the reservoir is 1,450.85 feet, only 48 feet above the dead level of 1,402 feet. At the full storage level of 1,550 feet, its current level indicates an extremely serious shortage, just shy of the optimum level by almost 100 feet.
Dam officials have worried that it could continue to decline if dry weather continues. Even though all 17 units are operating, the restricted water flow has reduced electricity output to 1,413 megawatts—well below the dam’s capacity of 4,888 megawatts.
Statistics show an inflow of 177,400 cusecs and an outflow of 151,800 cusecs. Power shortages, the Energy Ministry experts say, can get worse with prolonged rain deficits and significantly impact irrigation in the nation’s agricultural sector.
