NDMA warns of flash floods, landslides and rising water flows across Gilgit-Baltistan, KP, AJK, Punjab and Potohar over the next 48 hours
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flash flood alert for northern and upper parts of the country, warning of possible flooding, landslides and high water flows as rain is forecast over the next 48 hours.
The warning was issued by the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) on Monday as monsoon rainfall is expected across several vulnerable regions.
Authorities have urged residents, tourists and travellers to avoid riverbanks, nullahs and areas exposed to strong water currents.
Gilgit-Baltistan among high-risk areas
Several districts of Gilgit-Baltistan have been identified as vulnerable to flash flooding, including Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Skardu, Astore and Shigar.
The NDMA warned that rainfall in mountainous areas could trigger sudden flooding in streams and nullahs, while also increasing the risk of landslides and debris flows.
The warning is particularly important for tourists travelling through mountainous areas, where water levels in seasonal streams can rise rapidly even when rainfall is occurring some distance away.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also faces flood risk
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the alert covers Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra and Abbottabad, among other districts.
Nowshera, Swabi and Mardan are also considered vulnerable, particularly low-lying and urban areas where heavy rainfall could cause flooding.
The authority has advised people to avoid crossing flooded streams, submerged roads and bridges and areas where water is moving rapidly.
AJK and Potohar regions warned
Several districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have also been placed at risk, including Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur and Kotli.
The NDMA has separately warned of possible flooding and high water flows across streams and nullahs in the Potohar region, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum.
Punjab districts on alert
The warning also extends to parts of Punjab, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Kasur, Okara, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, Hafizabad and Sargodha.
Authorities are particularly concerned about sudden flooding in vulnerable low-lying areas following periods of intense rainfall.
NDMA orders preparedness measures
The NDMA has directed local administrations to pre-position essential resources in vulnerable areas and complete arrangements for the safe evacuation of residents if required.
The authority has also urged people to monitor official weather and road-condition updates and avoid unnecessary travel when severe weather warnings are in effect.
It cautioned that even relatively shallow floodwater can be dangerous if currents are strong enough to sweep away people or vehicles.
Travellers urged to exercise caution
Tourists and travellers visiting northern Pakistan have been advised to exercise particular caution around seasonal streams and mountainous roads.
The NDMA warned that monsoon rainfall can trigger sudden flash floods, landslides and debris flows in mountainous terrain.
People have been advised not to enter roads or routes closed by local administrations and to follow instructions from local authorities.
The NDMA said it is maintaining coordination with relevant institutions and will continue issuing alerts as weather conditions develop.
