ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (Alliance News): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday warned of increasing flood risks across several parts of Pakistan as persistent monsoon rains continue to raise water levels in major rivers and seasonal streams, urging authorities and the public to remain on high alert over the next 24 to 48 hours.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), medium-level flooding has been recorded at key locations along the Chenab River, while flash flood threats remain high in northern Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan due to continuing heavy rainfall.
The authority reported medium flooding at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge on the Chenab River. The Palkhu Nala at Wazirabad was also flowing at a medium flood level following sustained rainfall in the catchment areas.
Meanwhile, low-level flooding continues at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa on the Indus River, Marala and Trimmu on the Chenab River, Balloki and Sidhnai on the Ravi River, and Nowshera on the Kabul River. Low flood conditions have also been observed at Nala Aik and the Palkhu Nala Cantonment Bridge.
The NDMA warned that water flows in the Chenab River are expected to rise further during the next 24 hours at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. Water levels at Trimmu Barrage are also likely to increase to a medium flood level during the same period.
The authority cautioned that heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, seasonal streams across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and several parts of northern Balochistan during the next 24 to 48 hours.
In addition to river flooding, the NDMA forecast urban flooding in several major cities, including Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Multan, Hafizabad and Lahore, where heavy monsoon showers are expected to continue.
The authority advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone and affected areas and urged motorists to check weather forecasts and road conditions before beginning their journeys. It also appealed to the public to strictly follow instructions issued by local administrations and emergency services.
The NDMA directed all provincial and district authorities to maintain continuous monitoring of vulnerable locations, keep emergency response teams fully prepared and ensure the immediate restoration of roads and communication links in case of disruptions caused by flooding.
The authority further warned that landslides, debris flows and sudden flash floods remain a significant threat in mountainous regions during the ongoing monsoon season. Residents and tourists were advised not to stop near riverbanks, steep slopes or narrow mountain roads vulnerable to rockfalls and landslides.
The NDMA also urged people not to cross flooded roads, streams or fast-moving water either on foot or in vehicles, emphasizing that even shallow flowing water can carry away vehicles and pose a serious risk to human life.
The authority said it would continue closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and coordinating with relevant departments to ensure timely response and minimize the impact of flooding across the country.
