ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert warning of possible flash floods and rising river flows across several parts of the country over the next 48 hours amid forecast rainfall.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and the Potohar region are at risk of flash flooding due to anticipated heavy rains.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, areas including Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Skardu, Astore and Shigar may experience flash floods, while increased water flows in rivers are also expected.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Nowshera, Swabi and Mardan are among the areas vulnerable to flooding. Low-lying and urban areas of Nowshera, Swabi and Mardan are also at risk.
Flooding is also possible in several districts of Azad Kashmir, including Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur and Kotli.
In the Potohar region, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum may face flooding and possible overflow in streams and nullahs. Several districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Kasur, Okara, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, Hafizabad and Sargodha, are also at risk.
The NDMA has directed local administrations to pre-position necessary resources in vulnerable areas and keep evacuation arrangements ready.
The authority advised citizens, tourists and travellers to stay away from rivers, streams, nullahs, bridges and roads submerged by floodwater, and to avoid crossing fast-moving water on foot or by vehicle.
The NDMA also warned of an increased risk of landslides, debris flows and sudden flash floods in mountainous areas during the monsoon season. Travellers have been advised to check the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before starting their journey and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.
The public has also been urged to follow official safety instructions and avoid roads closed by the authorities.
The NDMA said it is continuously providing timely information and alerts to relevant departments regarding potential hazards. Citizens can receive updates through the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app.
In case of a flood emergency, the public has been advised to dial 911 for assistance.
Read also: Rain, thunderstorms expected in most parts of country, Met Office forecasts
