ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday issued a nationwide alert warning of flash floods, urban flooding, landslides and rising river flows across several parts of Pakistan from July 21 to 24, directing provincial and district authorities to remain on high alert as heavy monsoon rains are expected to continue.
According to the advisory issued by the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), flash floods may occur in rivers, local streams and mountain waterways across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and northeastern Balochistan.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, the districts of Hunza, Shigar and Ghanche face a high risk of flash flooding in the Shimshal, Hunza, Chapursan, Kilik, Shigar, Shyok and Hushe rivers.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, water levels are expected to rise significantly in the Jhelum, Neelum, Poonch and Mahl rivers, as well as Betar and Bhimber nullahs, the Kanshi River, and tributaries of the Jhelum and Poonch rivers.
The NDMA warned that flash floods are also likely in the Chitral, Kabul, Swat and Panjkora rivers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Seasonal streams in Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Kohat, Bannu, Karak, Hangu, Lakki Marwat, North and South Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Mansehra, Buner and Swabi may also experience dangerous flows.
In Punjab, hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan, the Soan River and the Potohar region are expected to witness high water flows. Similar flood conditions are forecast for rivers and seasonal streams in northeastern Balochistan.
The authority also forecast high-level flooding at Marala on the Chenab River and in the upper reaches of Mangla on the Jhelum River. Water levels may rise rapidly in the Dora, Dota, Dwara, Bhimber, Halsi, Aik, Plakho, Bein, Basantar, Dek and Sukhi nullahs.
The NDMA noted that additional water releases from India’s Thein, Pong and Bhakra dams could further increase flows in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers.
Urban flooding is likely in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Khushab, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Chakwal and Attock.
The authority has directed district administrations to continuously monitor rivers and streams, pre-position rescue teams and implement preventive measures in vulnerable areas.
Residents have been advised to avoid crossing rivers, streams and flood channels during periods of high water flow and to strictly follow official safety advisories.
Landslide Alert
Separately, the NDMA issued a landslide alert for Chitral and several mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan from July 21 to 23.
Areas at risk include Zangram to Ayun, Bamburet, Drosh to Lowi, Hindur to Barkulti, Qarghalti, Upper Yasin, Badswat to Bellahans, Puriyan Sar, Shamsabad, Ultar to Shispar, Karimabad to Altit, Hopper Nagar, Rama to Astore, Tarishing to Rupal, and the Jaglot-Skardu Road (RD-20 to RD-80), where landslides, falling rocks and debris flows may disrupt traffic.
The NDMA urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel to mountainous and vulnerable areas during the forecast period and advised citizens to stay informed through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application.
The authority also directed all provincial and district administrations to maintain emergency response readiness, continuously monitor sensitive locations and ensure the prompt restoration of roads in the event of blockages.
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