The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood alert, warning of heavy rain, flash floods and landslides in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the next 72 hours. According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre, strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected in the upper areas of the three regions during the next two to three days. The rainfall may increase water flows in rivers, streams, nullahs and other seasonal waterways, while mountainous areas face the risk of landslides, debris flows and flash floods. The authority warned of possible flash flooding in sensitive areas of Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Astore, Skardu, Shigar and adjoining districts. In Azad Kashmir, vulnerable areas of Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur and Kotli may also experience flooding. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur and other areas have been identified as vulnerable to flash floods. Urban flooding is also feared in Nowshera, Peshawar, Swabi and Mardan, where low-lying areas and connecting roads may be inundated. The NDMA said water flows in the Indus, Kabul, Swat, Panjkora, Kurram, Tochi, Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers were likely to increase during the next 72 hours. An increase in water levels has also been forecast at various locations along the Indus, Ravi, Chenab and Kabul rivers, as well as in adjoining streams and nullahs. The authority warned that heavy rainfall could trigger sudden flooding in urban areas and flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions. It also directed the relevant departments to remain on high alert and advised local administrations to take timely precautionary measures. The authorities have been asked to pre-position necessary resources in vulnerable areas and keep arrangements for the safe evacuation of residents in place. The NDMA further warned of possible high water flows in Nullah Lai following rainfall in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, directing the relevant departments to remain alert, particularly in low-lying areas. The public has been advised to stay away from low-lying areas, rivers, streams, nullahs and seasonal waterways and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather. Residents, tourists and travellers in flood-prone areas have been urged to keep away from riverbanks and fast-flowing water. The NDMA cautioned that floodwater should never be crossed on foot or by vehicle, as even seemingly shallow water can be powerful enough to sweep away people and vehicles. Tourists have also been advised to remain cautious in mountainous areas, where water levels in seasonal streams can rise suddenly during the monsoon. The authority urged citizens to check the latest weather forecast and road conditions before travelling and to avoid routes closed by the administration.
NDMA issues flood alert for northern areas over next 72 hours
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