The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a warning on Monday, forecasting imminent flash floods and urban flooding across various parts of the country due to impending heavy rains. Monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal are expected to bring significant rainfall to central and southern regions from July 27 to August 3.
According to the NDMA advisory, these monsoon currents will result in heavy to very heavy rainfall from July 28 to August 4, potentially causing flash floods in several areas. The regions at risk include the northeastern parts of Punjab, such as the Deg, Basemter, and Bein nullahs of River Ravi, the Aik and Palku areas in the Chenab catchment, and numerous locations in Azad Kashmir including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, and Bhimber. Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa areas like Mardan, Swat, Dir, Kohistan, Shangla, and Malakand are also vulnerable.
Urban flooding is anticipated in parts of Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Gujrat, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and their surrounding areas. Southern Sindh regions such as Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Karachi may also face urban flooding during this period.
The NDMA also indicated that low- to medium-level flows are expected in the River Jhelum upstream of Mangla, River Kabul and its tributaries, and the River Chenab at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad. Similarly, low to medium-level flows are anticipated in the River Indus at Tarbela, with increased flows in the nullahs of Zhob and hill torrents from the DG Khan division.
In its advisory, the NDMA emphasised the sudden and unpredictable nature of flash floods, urging at-risk populations to avoid floodwaters and seek safe locations away from flood-prone areas. The advisory highlighted the dangers, stating, “Even a mere six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and just one foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle. Bridges can be hazardous during floods. Avoid crossing them if water is flowing rapidly. Avoid staying in weak structures. In case of intense rain, seek shelter in safe places.”
To enhance public safety, the NDMA has launched the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application, available on Google Play Store and iOS, providing real-time alerts and information.