ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood alert for several parts of Pakistan, warning that expected rainfall through September 17 could trigger flash floods, urban flooding and increased flows in rivers and streams.
According to the NDMA, rainfall forecast over upper parts of the country could cause water levels to rise in rivers, streams and seasonal channels, potentially creating dangerous conditions in vulnerable areas.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, the authority warned of possible flash flooding in Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Ishkoman, Gupis-Yasin, Nagar, Hunza, Shimshal, Skardu and Shigar.
Parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also considered vulnerable, with Upper Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Malakand, Kurram, Kohistan, Mohmand and Orakzai among the areas identified as facing potential flood risks.
In Balochistan, the NDMA warned that Zhob, Sherani and Musakhel could experience flooding as a result of the expected rainfall.
The authority also identified Islamabad and several districts of Punjab as potentially vulnerable to urban flooding. These include Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Sheikhupura.
The NDMA has placed relevant authorities on advance alert and instructed them to undertake precautionary measures and ensure preparedness for any emergency arising from heavy rainfall or flooding.
The National Emergencies Operation Centre is monitoring weather-related hazards and assessing possible risks to provide timely information to authorities and the public, according to the NDMA.
Public advisory
The disaster management authority urged people to exercise particular caution during periods of intense rainfall and avoid attempting to cross storm drains, flooded roads, bridges and low-lying passages.
Residents of vulnerable areas have also been advised to remain attentive to official weather forecasts and emergency warnings rather than relying on unverified information.
The NDMA recommended using its Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application for official information about weather conditions, potential hazards and safety precautions.
According to the authority, people requiring assistance during a flood-related emergency can contact the 911 emergency helpline.
What the warning means
Flash flooding can develop rapidly following intense rainfall, particularly in mountainous areas and near streams and seasonal waterways. Urban flooding can also occur when heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems, potentially disrupting traffic and inundating low-lying neighbourhoods.
Authorities have therefore urged residents in areas covered by the alert to remain cautious through September 17 and follow instructions issued by local administrations and emergency services.