The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued an alert for possible heavy rain, thunderstorms and flash floods in upper parts of the country from Sept 25 to 30, urging relevant authorities to ensure advance preparations and keep emergency response teams and resources ready in vulnerable areas.
Rain spell puts upper regions at risk of flash floods: NDMA
ISLAMABAD, Sep 25 (APP): The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued an alert for possible heavy rain, thunderstorms and flash floods in upper parts of the country from Sept 25 to 30, urging relevant authorities to ensure advance preparations and keep emergency response teams and resources ready in vulnerable areas.
According to the alert, the western weather system is expected to intensify on Sept 25 and 26, potentially triggering heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and flash floods in mountainous areas and rain fed streams.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, vulnerable areas include Astore, Skardu, Roundu, Ghanche and Shigar, while in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Neelum Valley, Haveli, Poonch and Sudhanoti may face flood related risks.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat, Bajaur, Dir, Kohistan, Kolai Palas, Battagram and Mansehra have also been identified as areas at risk of flash flooding.
The NEOC forecast heavy thunderstorms and, at some places, hailstorms in Potohar, Punjab and various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through Sept 30.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree, Galiyat, Mianwali, Khushab, Bhakkar, Layyah, Sialkot, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal and Jhang are among the areas where heavy rainfall could cause urban flooding.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy rain is also expected in 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.
NDMA has directed relevant departments to take precautionary measures against possible flooding and other weather-related hazards and maintain close monitoring of rainfall and the situation in streams and vulnerable areas.
Authorities have also been asked to pre-position emergency response teams and essential resources in potentially affected areas to ensure a timely response.
The NDMA advised the public to avoid crossing rain-fed streams, mountain torrents and waterlogged roads, and urged residents of low-lying and vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and adopt necessary safety measures.
The authority also advised citizens to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for verified weather updates, information on potential hazards and safety guidelines.
