NDMA Warns of Rain, Urban Flooding Across Pakistan

News Desk 

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has issued a weather alert, warning of rainfall, thunderstorms and potential flooding across upper parts of the country from September 25 to 30.

According to the NEOC, the intensity of the westerly weather system is expected to increase on September 25 and 26, bringing rain and thunderstorms to upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad.

The expected rainfall may trigger flash floods in mountainous areas, seasonal streams and nullahs, particularly in vulnerable districts.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, potential flooding has been identified in Astore, Skardu, Roundu, Ghanche and Shigar. In Azad Kashmir, Neelum Valley, Haveli, Poonch and Sudhnoti are among the areas at risk.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the vulnerable areas include Swat, Bajaur, Dir, Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Battagram and Mansehra.

The NEOC also forecast heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms, with hailstorms possible at some locations, in the Pothohar region and various parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through September 30.

Heavy rainfall could cause urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree, Galyat, Mianwali, Khushab, Bhakkar, Layyah, Sialkot, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal and Jhang.

Several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also expected to receive heavy rainfall, including Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Peshawar, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.

The NDMA has directed relevant departments and agencies to make advance preparations to deal with possible flooding and other weather-related emergencies.

Authorities have been instructed to keep emergency response teams and necessary resources on standby in potentially affected areas and to continuously monitor rainfall, streams, nullahs and other water channels.

The public has been advised to avoid crossing rainwater streams, mountain torrents and flooded roads during periods of heavy rainfall.

Residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas have also been urged to exercise caution and follow safety measures.

The NDMA recommended using the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for verified weather updates, information about potential hazards and safety guidance.