Pakistan, July 18 -- The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday warned of rising water levels in the Indus River after the spillways of Tarbela Dam were opened due to increased inflows caused by rapid glacier melt and rainfall in upper catchment areas.

The move is expected to increase water discharge downstream, posing risks to low lying areas, particularly in Layyah, Bhakkar and Mianwali, prompting authorities to urge residents and tourists to stay away from the river and water channels.

NDMA said the rise in river flows was driven by increasing temperatures that have accelerated glacier melt, coupled with rainfall in northern parts of the country.

The opening of Tarbela Dam's spillways is part of efforts to safely ma...