Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide warning as heavy rains and flooding risks loom over several parts of Pakistan, notably in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan provinces.
The weather forecast indicates intense downpours in the mountainous districts of Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Battagram, Abbottabad, and Haripur in KP, where landslides and sudden floods could pose serious dangers.
Flood alerts have also been raised for areas including Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, and Hangu. In the southern districts of Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Dera Ismail Khan, as well as the low-lying regions of Waziristan, Kurram, and Bajaur, there is a heightened risk of overflowing rainwater streams.
The capital territory and surrounding Rawalpindi district may face flooding in lower-lying localities due to predicted heavy rains. Other parts of Punjab such as Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mianwali, Khushab, and Sargodha are also expected to experience strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Further, districts including Faisalabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Hafizabad, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, and Okara have been cautioned about potential flood conditions triggered by persistent rains.
Heavy showers are anticipated in the upper Jhelum river basin, covering Jhelum city, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, and Kanchi. These conditions might result in flooding along the Ravi and Sutlej rivers downstream.
In Balochistan, intermittent rainfall is expected in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Loralai, Kalat, Nushki, Barkhan, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Sui, and Khuzdar. The risk of flash floods in mountain streams and hill torrents is also significant in these areas.
Moreover, the agency warns against crossing flooded roads, bridges, and fast-moving water channels without proper safety measures.
