Torrential rains: Flash flood warning issued for GB, KP, AJK

In the wake of severe rainfalls from July 18 to 23, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued flash flood alert for Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir.

The NDMA has issued an alert for the likely hazard of flash flood scenarios in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir.

The NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) is ensuring advance evaluation of all possible hazards and rapid distribution of information to relevant agencies.

The NDMA has indicated that due to heavy rainfall, local rivers, rain-fed areas and mountainous areas are at risk of flash floods, while medium to high levels of flooding are possible in the rivers and streams of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The government warned that there is a threat of flooding in the upper and central districts and mountain rain drains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while in Azad Kashmir. There are chances of a heavy rise in the flow of water in Neelum, Jhelum, Poonch and the adjoining rivers.

The NDMA has issued a landslide notice for Azad Jammu and Kashmir from July 19 to 24, warning that prolonged rains could trigger landslides in Neelum, Haveli, Poonch, Muzaffarabad and Bagh. The mountain areas of Kotli, Sidhnoti, Mirpur and Bhimber are also at medium risk of landslides.

The NDMA said that traffic may be affected due to landslides on the highways of Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kahuta and Bhimber. Citizens are advised to avoid needless travel and exercise caution in mountain slopes, river banks and vulnerable places.

The agency has also issued an alert of probable flood conditions in Punjab and northeastern Balochistan from July 17 to 23. Due to heavy rains, flash floods are possible in the rainy rivers and hilly parts of Punjab and Balochistan.

The potential of flooding in the storm drains of Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, DG Khan, Rajanpur, Murree and Galiyat. Zhob, Sherani, Musakhel, Loralai, Harnai, Sibi, Kohlu and Jaffarabad districts of Balochistan may be affected.

The NDMA said that water flow in Chenab, Ravi rivers and their tributaries is expected to increase and the people of low-lying areas have been warned to be careful.

Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujarat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Sheikhupura are anticipated to see urban floods, but low lying parts of Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan and Charsadda may be inundated.

The NDMA has asked the concerned authorities to keep emergency machinery and rescue teams on standby and recommended the people to avoid storm drains, flooded roads and risky routes.

The public has been advised to download the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for reliable information and protective actions.