NDMA warns of flooding through September 17

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood alert for several parts of Pakistan as widespread rainfall is forecast to continue until September 17.

The authority warned that persistent rains could cause flash floods, riverine flooding and urban flooding in vulnerable areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Balochistan.

According to the NDMA, Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Ashkoman, Gupis-Yasin, Nagar, Hunza, Shimshal, Skardu and Shigar in Gilgit-Baltistan face a risk of flash flooding. Several districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including Upper Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Malakand, Kurram, Kohistan, Mohmand and Orakzai, have also been placed on alert.

In Balochistan, Zhob, Sherani and Musakhel could experience flooding. Meanwhile, urban flooding has been forecast in Islamabad and several Punjab districts, including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Sheikhupura.

The NDMA said advance warnings had been shared with relevant departments and institutions so that precautionary measures could be taken ahead of any emergency.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has also forecast rain and thunderstorms in parts of Sindh. Heavy rainfall and isolated hailstorms are possible in areas including Tharparkar, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Mithi, Hyderabad, Nowshera Feroze, Tando Jam, Thatta and Karachi.

The NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre is monitoring the situation and conducting risk assessments to identify areas that may require early warnings or emergency support.

The authority urged citizens to avoid crossing flooded roads, rainwater channels, bridges and other low-lying routes during heavy rainfall. People were also advised to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for verified weather updates and safety instructions.

PM directs authorities to step up relief efforts

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the NDMA and other relevant departments to use all available resources to assist communities affected by heavy rains and possible flooding.

During a meeting with NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik in Islamabad, the prime minister reviewed preparations for the ongoing monsoon spell and the risk of flooding.

Shehbaz instructed authorities to maintain traffic links by ensuring the safety and functionality of roads and bridges. He also called for stronger coordination between federal agencies, provincial governments and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities to ensure the timely delivery of relief supplies.

The NDMA chairman briefed the prime minister on the expected weather pattern and preparedness measures being carried out in coordination with provincial and other concerned institutions.