NDMA Issues Nationwide Flood Alert

News Desk

Islamabad: Pakistan is facing renewed monsoon risks as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide alert, warning of rising river levels, flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides across several regions from July 31 to August 2.

The warning comes as continuous rainfall increases pressure on rivers, streams, and drainage systems, prompting authorities to strengthen emergency preparations and advise citizens to remain cautious in vulnerable areas.

According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), flood conditions are already developing at several points. A medium-level flood is being reported at Guddu Barrage on the Indus River, while low-level flooding continues at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Sukkur.

Officials said water levels in the Chenab River may rise to medium-to-high levels at Marala, with possible low-to-medium flows expected at Khanki and Qadirabad during the next two days. Similar risks have been identified in the Jhelum, Ravi, and Kabul rivers, along with their connected streams and tributaries.

The authority has highlighted increased risks in hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, while seasonal streams in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan may experience flash flooding due to heavy rainfall.

Several districts, including Mohmand, Bajaur, Buner, Mardan, Kurram, South Waziristan, Shangla, and Peshawar, have been identified as vulnerable to overflowing streams and nullahs.

In Balochistan, authorities are monitoring river systems including Nari, Bolan, Kangri, and Lehri, where flash floods are possible due to intense rainfall in upper catchment areas.

Urban areas are also at risk, with NDMA warning of water accumulation in low-lying areas of major cities across Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and other districts. Similar concerns have been raised for cities in Sindh, including Hyderabad, Sukkur, Nawabshah, Badin, and Tharparkar, as well as Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda, and Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The disaster management authority has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas and warned against crossing flooded roads, streams, and fast-moving water channels.

Travellers have been advised to carry essential supplies, including drinking water, dry food, first-aid kits, flashlights, power banks, and emergency contacts during journeys in affected areas.

NDMA has directed local administrations and emergency agencies to remain on high alert, take preventive measures, and ensure timely response as the monsoon system continues to affect different parts of the country.