NDMA issues nationwide flood alert

ISLAMABAD, Jul 31 (APP):The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued a nationwide flood alert from July 31 to August 2, warning of rising river flows, possible flash floods, urban flooding and landslides across several parts of Pakistan due to ongoing monsoon rains, while directing local administrations to take precautionary measures and urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas.

According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), a medium-level flood is continuing at Guddu Barrage on the Indus River, while low-level flooding persists at Kalabagh, Chashma and Sukkur.

The authority warned that water flows in the Chenab River could rise to medium-to-high levels at Marala, while Khanki and Qadirabad may experience low-to-medium flows over the next two days.

Low-to-medium flood levels are also expected in the Jhelum, Ravi and Kabul rivers, as well as their associated streams and tributaries. Authorities forecast a significant increase in water flow in nullahs linked to the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers.

The alert highlighted the risk of intense flows in hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, while flash flooding is also feared in seasonal streams across central and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan.

NDMA identified Mohmand, Bajaur, Buner, Mardan, Kurram, South Waziristan, Shangla and Peshawar among the districts where streams and nullahs could overflow.

In Balochistan, flash floods may occur in the Nari, Bolan, Kangri and Lehri river systems due to heavy rainfall in upper catchment areas.

The authority also warned of urban flooding and water accumulation in low-lying areas of several Punjab cities, including Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Sahiwal and Faisalabad.

In Sindh, urban flooding is feared in Nawabshah, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sanghar, Khairpur, Mithi, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar and Tharparkar.

Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda and Mardan are also identified as vulnerable to urban flooding during the ongoing spell.

NDMA advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone areas and warned that landslides, debris flows and flash floods could occur in mountainous regions during the monsoon season.

Citizens were urged not to cross flooded roads, streams or fast-flowing water on foot or by vehicle, as even shallow water currents can sweep away people and vehicles.

The authority further advised travellers to carry drinking water, dry food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, power banks and emergency contact information, and to stay updated through the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application.

Local administrations have been directed to remain vigilant, implement preventive measures and ensure preparedness for any emergency arising from the evolving monsoon situation.