The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert warning of flash floods and urban flooding in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and other regions due to impending monsoon rains. This alert, issued on Wednesday, highlights the significant risk posed by the seasonal rains expected in the coming days.
According to the NDMA’s Emergencies Operation Centre, monsoon rains and thundershowers are anticipated in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Islamabad, KP, and central and northeastern Punjab from July 17 to 21. These weather patterns, with occasional gaps, may result in both flash flooding and urban flooding.
This warning aligns with a forecast from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), which indicated on Monday that all four provinces, along with AJK and Gilgit Baltistan (GB) regions, will experience new spells of rain, wind, and thundershowers due to the prevailing weather system.
The NDMA statement detailed that areas including Swat, Mingora, Battagram, Mardan, Swabi, Haripur, Abbottabad, Kashmir, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, and Sialkot are expected to receive rain accumulation exceeding 50 millimeters under the monsoon spell. Emphasizing the potential for strong winds and lightning strikes, the NDMA has issued instructions for all relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impacts of flooding and extreme weather.
In response to these warnings, the public has been advised to take safety measures to prevent flooding, ensure protection from lightning strikes, avoid outdoor activities during adverse weather, and maintain a safe distance from electrical poles and wires.
The NDMA also highlighted a related alert issued a day earlier, warning of possible glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in the mountainous regions of KP and GB due to rising temperatures and anticipated heavy rains. The provincial Disaster Management Authorities of KP and GB have been instructed to coordinate with relevant departments to ensure thorough preparations and emergency response measures.
To enhance public safety, local communities, tourists, and travelers in at-risk areas are being alerted and advised to avoid unnecessary travel during this period.
