ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide alert warning of flash floods, river surges and landslides in several parts of the country through July 24 due to continuing heavy rainfall.
According to the NDMA, a risk of flash floods exists in the Shimshal, Hunza, Chapursan, Kilik, Shigar, Shyok and Hushe rivers in the Gilgit-Baltistan districts of Hunza, Shigar and Ghanche.
In Azad Kashmir, water levels could rise to dangerous levels in the Jhelum, Neelum, Poonch and Mahl rivers, along with other tributaries.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, flooding is possible in the Chitral, Kabul, Swat and Panjkora rivers, as well as several local streams.
The NDMA also forecast high-level flooding in hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan in Punjab, the Soan River, the Pothohar region, the Chenab River near Marala and the upper reaches of the Jhelum River above Mangla.
The authority warned that additional water releases from India’s Thein, Pong and Bhakra dams could increase flows in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers.
Urban flooding is also expected in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Khushab, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Chakwal and Attock.
The NDMA also warned of landslides, falling rocks and debris flows in Chitral and several mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan between July 21 and 23. Residents and tourists were advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
District administrations were instructed to closely monitor rivers and streams, pre-position emergency response teams, strengthen safety measures in vulnerable areas and ensure rapid clearance of roads if blocked.
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The authority urged the public to avoid crossing rivers, streams and flood channels during periods of high water flow and advised residents to follow weather updates through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application.
