ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert over the possibility of flooding and other weather-related emergencies across parts of northern Pakistan during the next 72 hours.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and upper areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) over the next two to three days.
The expected rainfall could increase water levels in rivers, streams, nullahs and seasonal waterways, raising the risk of flash floods in vulnerable areas.
Flash Flood and Landslide Risks
The NDMA warned that mountainous areas could face flash floods, landslides and sudden surges in local streams as a result of heavy rainfall.
Authorities have been directed to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures in areas considered vulnerable to flooding.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, areas including Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Astore, Skardu and Shigar could experience sudden flooding.
In AJK, sensitive areas of Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur and Kotli are also at risk.
Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the NDMA identified Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur, among other areas, as potentially vulnerable to flash flooding.
Urban Flooding Risk
The NDMA also warned of possible urban flooding in Nowshera, Peshawar, Swabi and Mardan.
Low-lying areas and connecting roads could become submerged if heavy rainfall persists.
Residents in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have also been advised to remain alert, as heavy rainfall could result in strong water flows in Nullah Lai, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
River Flows May Increase
According to the NEOC, water flows could increase over the next 72 hours in several major rivers, including the Indus, Kabul, Swat, Panjkora, Kurram, Tochi, Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi.
Increased flows are also possible at various locations along the Indus, Ravi, Chenab and Kabul rivers, as well as nearby streams and waterways.
Authorities have been directed to monitor the situation closely and ensure timely precautionary measures in vulnerable locations.
NDMA Issues Safety Advice
The NDMA has urged residents, tourists and travelers to stay away from low-lying areas, rivers, streams and flood channels and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.
People have been advised to check the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before starting any journey.
The authority strongly warned the public not to walk or drive through floodwater or fast-moving water. Even water that appears shallow can be dangerous enough to sweep away people and vehicles.
Tourists visiting mountainous areas have also been urged to exercise extra caution because monsoon conditions can increase the risk of landslides, debris flows and sudden flash floods.
Citizens should follow instructions issued by local authorities and avoid roads that have been closed due to dangerous weather conditions.
Authorities Directed to Remain on High Alert
The NDMA has instructed relevant departments to remain on high alert and local administrations to complete necessary precautionary arrangements in advance.
Authorities in vulnerable areas have been advised to pre-position essential resources and keep evacuation arrangements ready where required.
The NDMA said it is continuing to provide timely information and alerts to relevant institutions regarding potential weather-related hazards.
The public has been encouraged to use the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application to receive the latest warnings and emergency information.
In case of a flood emergency, the NDMA has advised citizens to dial 911 for assistance.
