ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood risk alert for the next 72 hours, warning of heavy rainfall, flash floods, riverine flooding and landslides across vulnerable areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC), upper parts of GB, AJK and KP are expected to receive heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms during the next two to three days. The rainfall may increase water flows in rivers, streams and seasonal nullahs, raising the risk of sudden flooding in mountainous areas.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Astore, Skardu and Shigar, among other vulnerable areas, may face flash-flood risks. The authority has also warned of landslides and debris flows in mountainous terrain.
In AJK, vulnerable areas of Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur and Kotli have been identified as potentially exposed to flooding and related hazards.
Several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur, are also at risk of flash floods and landslides.
The NDMA said urban flooding is also possible in Nowshera, Peshawar, Swabi and Mardan, particularly in low-lying areas and along vulnerable connecting roads.
The NEOC has further forecast increased flows in the Indus, Kabul, Swat, Panjkora, Kurram, Tochi, Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers during the next 72 hours. Increased flows are also possible at various locations along the major rivers and adjoining streams.
The NDMA has specifically warned of potentially high water flows in Nullah Lai following heavy rainfall in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Relevant departments have been directed to remain alert, particularly in low-lying areas.
The authority has instructed local administrations to remain on high alert, pre-position emergency resources in vulnerable locations and ensure arrangements for timely evacuation where necessary.
The NDMA has urged citizens, tourists and travellers to stay away from rivers, streams, nullahs, drainage channels and low-lying areas. People have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and to check the latest weather and road conditions before travelling.
The authority warned that even apparently shallow floodwater can become extremely dangerous because strong currents may sweep away people and vehicles. Citizens have been advised never to attempt crossing flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing water on foot or by vehicle.
Tourists visiting mountainous areas have been urged to exercise particular caution as monsoon conditions can trigger sudden increases in stream flows, landslides, debris flows and flash floods.
The NDMA advised the public to follow instructions issued by local administrations and avoid roads closed due to weather-related hazards.
Citizens can receive the latest weather information, early warnings and emergency alerts through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application.
The authority said it is maintaining continuous coordination with relevant departments and providing timely information about emerging risks.
In case of an emergency or flood-related situation, the public has been advised to dial 911 for assistance.
