The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert regarding potential flash floods and landslides due to anticipated heavy and light rainfall across various parts of Pakistan in July.
The NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has released a detailed monsoon forecast for July, highlighting expected rainfall intensities and potential impacts in different regions.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
Isolated rainfall expected in Mardan, Malakand, and Hazara divisions in the 3rd week, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in the 4th week.
Punjab and Islamabad:
15-50mm rainfall forecasted in Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Islamabad in the 1st and 2nd weeks. Potential flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad in the 4th week.
Sindh:
30-75mm rainfall expected in Mirpurkhas, Karachi, Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Larkana, and Sukkur districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall anticipated in the 2nd and 4th weeks.
Gilgit Baltistan and AJK:
Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in Astore district and isolated places in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with potential severe flooding in nullahs and rivers in the 4th week.
The forecast warns of moderate to very heavy rains that could lead to riverine and flash flooding, urban flooding, landslides in hilly areas, and potential Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) events.
In response, the NDMA has advised Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), and relevant departments to stay vigilant. Pre-placement of machinery and availability of staff in vulnerable areas are crucial.
Residents along riverbanks and nullahs are urged to be cautious about increased water flows. Timely evacuation plans should be activated for populations in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Citizens are advised to take precautions such as avoiding electric poles and weak infrastructure, and refraining from traveling through flooded areas.
The NDMA emphasizes preparedness and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of monsoon rains across the country.
