NDMA warns of heavy rain, flash floods until Sept 30

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and possible flash floods across several upper parts of Pakistan from September 25 to 30.

The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) said a westerly weather system is expected to strengthen on September 25 and 26. It could bring thunderstorms and rain to parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad.

The weather system may cause flash floods in mountainous areas and lead to sudden rises in water levels in seasonal streams and nullahs.

Several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan have been placed on alert, including Astore, Skardu, Roundu, Ghanche and Shigar. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Neelum Valley, Haveli, Poonch and Sudhanoti have been identified as vulnerable to flooding.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the areas at risk include Swat, Bajaur, Lower and Upper Dir, Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Battagram and Mansehra.

The NEOC also forecast thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in parts of the Potohar region, Punjab and K-P through September 30. Some areas may also experience hailstorms.

Urban flooding is possible in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree, Galiyat, Mianwali, Khushab, Bhakkar and Layyah.

Several major cities in Punjab, including Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal and Jhang, may also receive heavy rainfall and face water accumulation in vulnerable locations.

In K-P, heavy rain is expected in areas including Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Peshawar, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.

The NDMA has instructed concerned departments and local administrations to take precautionary measures ahead of the expected weather system.

Emergency teams and essential equipment have been directed to remain ready in vulnerable areas. Authorities have also been asked to closely monitor rainfall, river levels and water flow in streams and nullahs.

The disaster management authority advised people to avoid crossing flooded roads, mountain streams and seasonal waterways. It warned that rapidly rising water levels could create dangerous conditions with little warning.

Residents living in low-lying and other vulnerable areas have been urged to remain alert and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.