ISLAMABAD, Jul 29 (Alliance News) – The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued an advisory on Monday, warning that monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal are likely to affect central and southern parts of Pakistan from July 27 to August 3. Heavy rainfall is expected in the upper catchment areas of the country’s western and eastern rivers from July 28 to August 4.
Flash floods are anticipated in northeastern Punjab, including the Deg, Basemter, and Bein nullahs of River Ravi, Aik and Palku areas in the Chenab catchment, and Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, and Bhimber in AJ&K. Additionally, Mardan, Swat, Dir, Kohistan, Shangla, and Malakand in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province are also at risk.
Low to medium-level flow is expected in the Jhelum upstream of Mangla, Kabul and its tributaries, and Chenab at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad. Similar flow levels are expected in the Indus River at Tarbela and the hill torrents of the DG Khan division. Increased flows are anticipated in the nullahs of Zhob.
Urban flooding is likely in northern and northeastern Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Gujrat, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, and surrounding areas. Southern parts of Sindh, including Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Karachi, may also experience urban flooding during this period.
The NDMA has instructed relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the possible effects of flooding and extreme weather. People in at-risk areas are advised to avoid floodwaters and move to safe locations. Even six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and one foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle. Bridges can be hazardous during floods and should be avoided if water is flowing rapidly. In case of heavy rain, seek shelter in safe places like schools, government buildings, or concrete structures.
The NDMA has launched the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application, available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store, to provide timely alerts, advisories, and guidelines to the public.
