A Pakistani man push his bike through a flooded road after a heavy rainfall in Karachi, Pakistan, Friday, July 8, 2022. Several people have died in rain-related incidents across Pakistan during the past three weeks, the country's minister for climate change said. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert for potential heavy rainfall and flooding across various parts of the country between July 11 and July 17.
Intense rainfall is expected in several districts of Punjab, including Jhelum, Chakwal, Sargodha, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Faisalabad, and Narowal. In the DG Khan, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan regions, an increase in water flow in hilly streams has been predicted. Due to runoff from the Pīr Panjal mountain range, northeastern Punjab could face flash flooding.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), areas such as Dir, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mardan, Buner, and Waziristan may experience flash floods due to expected heavy rains. Rivers, including the Kabul, Swat, Panjkora, and Kulpani streams, are likely to see a significant rise in water levels.
At Nowshera, the Kabul River may reach flood levels. Meanwhile, in Balochistan, local streams in Ziarat, Quetta, Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Loralai, Musakhel, and Dera Bugti may overflow.
The NDMA also warned of landslides in hilly regions and potential urban flooding in low-lying areas due to persistent rainfall.
Authorities have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, especially near rivers and streams, and to exercise caution in flood-prone zones.
NDMA has instructed local administrations and relevant departments to keep restoration machinery on standby to clear roads affected by flooding or landslides.
All relevant institutions have been directed to ensure proactive measures are in place to respond swiftly to any emergency.
The public is encouraged to stay informed by using the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for real-time weather and safety updates.
In response to worsening conditions, NDMA issued a second alert within 24 hours, warning of severe weather across Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, where heavy rains may trigger landslides.
According to the latest advisory, areas at high risk include Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamer, Ghanche, and Shigar, as well as Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Haveli, and Bagh in Azad Kashmir.
NDMA has again instructed local authorities to keep heavy machinery prepared to ensure the rapid clearance of blocked or damaged roads.