Flash floods are expected across Pakistan due to imminent rains, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Monday. Monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal will enter the central and southern regions from July 27 to August 3. These currents may bring heavy rainfall to the catchment areas of Pakistan’s river systems, the NDMA warned.
Under this system, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected from July 28 to August 4. Flash floods are likely in the northeastern parts of Punjab, including Deg, Basemter, and Bein nullahs of River Ravi, Aik, and Palku areas in the catchment of Chenab. In Azad Kashmir, areas such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, and Bhimber may experience flash floods. Upper KP regions, including Mardan, Swat, Dir, Kohistan, Shangla, and Malakand, are also at risk.
The NDMA said urban flooding is expected in parts of Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Gujrat, and Rawalpindi/Islamabad. The southern parts of Sindh, such as Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Karachi, may face similar issues during this period.
Low to medium-level flows are expected in the River Jhelum upstream of Mangla, River Kabul and its tributaries, and the River Chenab at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad. The River Indus at Tarbela and hill torrents from DG Khan division will likely see low to medium-level flows. Increased flows are expected in the nullahs of Zhob.
In its advisory, the NDMA warned that flash floods can strike suddenly, catching people off guard. Populations at risk should avoid flood waters and move to safe locations away from flood-prone areas. “Even a mere six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and just one foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle. Bridges can be hazardous during floods. Avoid crossing them if water is flowing rapidly. Avoid staying in weak structures. In case of intense rain, seek shelter in safe places,” the NDMA advised.
