ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a series of weather alerts warning of possible flash floods, urban flooding and landslides in several parts of Pakistan as heavy monsoon rains are expected to continue over the coming days.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the current weather conditions are consistent with its earlier forecast, and all relevant departments are being provided with timely updates and risk assessments to ensure preparedness.
The authority warned that from July 18 to 23, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are at risk of flash flooding due to intense rainfall.
Medium to high flood levels are expected in rivers and streams across Gilgit-Baltistan, while upper and central districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may experience flooding in hill torrents and seasonal streams.
In Azad Kashmir, water levels are likely to rise significantly in the Neelum, Jhelum and Poonch rivers, along with adjoining streams.
The NDMA has also issued a landslide alert for AJK from July 19 to 24, warning that persistent rainfall could trigger landslides in Neelum, Haveli, Poonch, Muzaffarabad and Bagh, with moderate risks also identified in Kotli, Sudhnoti, Mirpur and Bhimber.
Road networks in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kahuta and Bhimber may be disrupted due to falling rocks and landslides.
Separately, the authority has warned of possible flash flooding in Punjab and northeastern Balochistan from July 17 to 23. Seasonal streams in Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Murree and the Galiyat region, as well as Zhob, Sherani, Musa Khel, Loralai, Harnai, Sibi, Kohlu and Jaffarabad, could be affected by heavy rainfall.
Water flows in the Chenab and Ravi rivers and their tributaries are also expected to increase.
The NDMA further warned of urban flooding between July 18 and 23 in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Sheikhupura. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, low-lying areas of Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan and Charsadda are also likely to experience inundation.
The authority has directed provincial and district administrations to keep emergency machinery and rescue teams on high alert and ensure preparedness for any emergency situation.
The NDMA advised residents, travellers and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in mountainous areas and landslide-prone routes, remain away from riverbanks, seasonal streams and flooded roads, and follow official advisories.
Citizens have also been encouraged to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for timely updates and safety information.
Read also: PDMA Warns of Intense Rainfall, Flooding and Landslides Across KP
