Islamabad : The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning about possible flash floods in several parts of Pakistan over the next 48 hours, following forecasts of widespread and heavy rainfall.
The alert, issued through the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), covers parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and the Potohar region.
Officials have cautioned that intense rainfall could result in rapidly rising water levels in rivers and streams, urban flooding and sudden torrents in vulnerable locations. The situation could pose risks to residents, motorists, tourists and people travelling through affected areas.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, the districts identified as vulnerable include Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Skardu, Astore and Shigar.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the potential risk areas include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Nowshera, Swabi and Mardan.
The warning also covers several districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur and Kotli.
Authorities in the Potohar region have been advised to remain alert for flooding and unusually high flows in local streams and nullahs. Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum are among the areas highlighted by the NDMA.
Several districts in Punjab have also been placed on alert, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Kasur, Okara, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, Hafizabad and Sargodha.
The NDMA has directed local administrations to pre-position emergency equipment, relief supplies and other essential resources in areas considered vulnerable.
Authorities have also been asked to ensure that evacuation arrangements are ready so that residents can be moved to safer locations if the situation worsens.
The public has been urged to avoid flooded roads, bridges, streams and nullahs, particularly in areas where water is flowing rapidly. Citizens have also been advised to follow traffic controls and other instructions issued by local administrations.
Residents in vulnerable areas, along with tourists and travellers, should maintain a safe distance from riverbanks, waterways and seasonal streams.
The NDMA warned that continuing monsoon activity could increase the likelihood of landslides, debris flows and sudden flooding, particularly in mountainous regions.
People planning journeys have been advised to review the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling. Unnecessary movement should be avoided when severe weather warnings are in effect.
The authority stressed that even apparently shallow floodwater can become life-threatening when moving quickly. Strong currents can sweep away pedestrians and vehicles, making it extremely dangerous to attempt crossing flooded roads or waterways.
Tourists have been specifically urged to exercise caution near seasonal streams, where water levels can rise without warning following heavy rainfall.
The NDMA has called on the public to cooperate with authorities and avoid roads or routes that have been closed for safety reasons.
The authority said it remains in contact with relevant departments and institutions and is monitoring the evolving situation while issuing alerts and safety information as required.
For the latest emergency information, citizens can use the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app.
People seeking assistance during a flood emergency can contact the relevant authorities by dialing 911.
