NDMA warns of rising river levels, flood risk

NDMA warns of rising river levels, flood risk

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that water levels in several major rivers across Pakistan could rise sharply from August 2 to 4 as monsoon rains intensify, raising the risk of flooding in various parts of the country.

The NDMA urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone areas and remain alert to changing weather and road conditions.

According to the authority’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the Lehri River at Head Gogi has reached high flood levels, while Nullah Palkhu at Wazirabad is experiencing medium-level flooding.

The Indus River continues to face low-level flooding at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur, while the Nari River is also reporting low-level flooding at Head Nari. The NDMA expects high flows in the Chenab River at Marala, with low to medium flows likely at Khanki and Qadirabad.

The Jhelum, Ravi and Kabul rivers, along with their tributaries, may also see rising water levels. The NDMA warned that streams connected to the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi could experience medium to high flows. Water levels in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers will also depend on water releases from reservoirs in India.

The authority has also highlighted the threat of flash floods in hill torrents across Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, as well as seasonal streams in central and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan.

Urban flooding and water accumulation could affect low-lying areas in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta and other parts of Sindh.

The NDMA advised people not to cross flooded areas on foot or in vehicles and to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling. It also asked residents to follow directions from local authorities and stay informed through the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application.

Meanwhile, the Emergency Response Committee (ERC), formed by the prime minister, held its 10th consecutive daily meeting on Sunday to review the country’s monsoon preparedness and response.

The committee directed relevant authorities to maintain maximum preparedness and speed up relief and rehabilitation operations. The meeting also reviewed the forecast of further rainfall in northern and central Pakistan, with isolated showers expected in southeastern Sindh.