NDMA Issues Flood Warning as Monsoon Rains Intensify Across Pakistan

News Desk

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday issued multiple alerts warning of widespread flood risks amid an active monsoon spell expected to affect large parts of Pakistan in the coming days.

The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has urged residents and authorities to remain vigilant against heavy rains, riverine flooding, flash floods, urban inundation, and related hazards.

A well-marked low-pressure system over Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh in India, combined with a seasonal low over northern Balochistan and moisture-laden currents from the Arabian Sea, is set to trigger intensified monsoon activity across the country.

This weather pattern is expected to increase water flows in major rivers, including the Indus, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej.

As of Monday morning, the River Indus at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma, along with the Chenab at Marala, are at low flood levels. However, low to medium flows are forecasted in the coming 2 to 3 days at Taunsa and Guddu on the Indus and at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad on the Chenab.

Nullahs such as Aik and Palkhu (linked to Chenab), and Deg and Hudiara (connected to Ravi), may carry medium to high volumes of water. Additionally, Nullahs Bein and Basantar in Narowal and Sialkot are expected to swell.

The Sutlej River is anticipated to experience low to medium flows over the next three days. Meanwhile, Tarbela and Mangla reservoirs currently stand at 96% and 64% capacity, respectively, with further rises predicted.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for Islamabad and various districts of Punjab including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Taunsa, Bahawalpur, DG Khan, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan between August 13 and 15. These rains may lead to urban flooding in major cities, activate torrents in DG Khan and Rajanpur, and significantly increase flows in nullahs originating from the Pir Panjal range.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to experience an active monsoon spell from August 13 to 18. Moderate rainfall and thunderstorms may affect areas including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Kohistan, Malakand, Buner, Mansehra, Battagram, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Kohat, and Hangu.

These rains could heighten flows in the River Kabul at Nowshera and its tributaries—Swat, Panjkora, Bara, and Kalpani Nullah—as well as the River Chitral and other local streams. The resulting hazards include flash floods, landslides in mountainous zones, urban flooding in low-lying areas, and road hazards due to poor visibility and slippery surfaces.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, districts such as Hunza, Shigar, and Ghanche face risks of flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) amid ongoing temperature anomalies and intermittent rains. High flows are anticipated in the River Hunza due to potential lake bursts affecting tributaries like Khunjerab, Gunjrab, and Shimshal. Similarly, the Braldu River in Shigar, and the Hushe, Saltoro, and Kondus rivers in Ghanche are vulnerable to flash floods caused by glacial melting and lake bursts.

The NDMA has urged residents living near rivers, streams, and nullahs to stay alert, closely monitor official warnings, and be prepared for rapid evacuation if necessary. Authorities have been directed to keep flood response teams and dewatering equipment ready, clear drainage channels, and raise public awareness through timely updates.

Residents are advised to secure valuables, livestock, and vehicles in safe locations and avoid crossing flooded roads, causeways, or low bridges.