ISLAMABAD, Aug. 3: Pakistan’s disaster management authorities have issued fresh flood warnings for several major river systems as intensified monsoon rains continue to raise water levels across the country, with risks of riverine flooding, flash floods and urban inundation expected between August 2 and 4.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), high-level flooding has been recorded in the Lehri River at Head Gogi, while Nullah Palkhu at Wazirabad is experiencing medium-level flooding. Low-level flooding continues at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur along the Indus River, as well as at Head Nari on the Nari River.
The NDMA said the Chenab River is expected to witness high-level flows at Marala, while Khanki and Qadirabad may experience low- to medium-level flooding. Water levels are also likely to rise in the Jhelum, Ravi and Kabul rivers and their tributaries. Tributary streams linked to the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi could experience medium to high flows, while river conditions in the Ravi and Sutlej will depend on water releases from upstream reservoirs in India.
The authority also warned of possible flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, as well as seasonal streams in central and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan.
In addition, low-lying urban areas in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta, and several other districts of Sindh face an increased risk of urban flooding and water accumulation due to heavy rainfall.
The NDMA advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone areas, refrain from crossing flooded roads or waterways on foot or by vehicle, and check weather forecasts and road conditions before undertaking any journey. It also urged the public to follow instructions issued by local authorities and use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for real-time weather warnings and emergency information.
Emergency Response Committee Reviews Preparedness
Meanwhile, the Emergency Response Committee (ERC), constituted on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, held its 10th daily review meeting on Sunday to assess the evolving monsoon situation and review ongoing rescue and relief operations across the country.
The meeting, chaired via video link by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), was attended by representatives of federal ministries, provincial governments, chief secretaries, provincial disaster management authorities, and other emergency response agencies.
Officials briefed the committee on the latest weather outlook, flood situation, casualties, infrastructure damage, and ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts. The meeting was informed that deputy commissioners in all vulnerable districts had already been placed on high alert to ensure timely preparedness and coordinated emergency response.
The committee noted that a significant number of fatalities during the current monsoon season had resulted from the collapse of unsafe and poorly constructed buildings. It emphasized the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building safety regulations, improved public awareness, and stronger coordination among all stakeholders to minimize the impact of future weather-related disasters.
The ERC directed all relevant departments to maintain maximum preparedness, accelerate relief and rehabilitation activities, and ensure swift assistance to affected communities as heavy monsoon rains continue across the country.
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