Islamabad: As monsoon season intensifies, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a critical update, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across various regions of Pakistan from July 2 to July 7, 2024. This severe weather is expected to affect millions, prompting widespread preparations for potential flooding and other related hazards.
According to National Disaster Management Authority, the upcoming days could see significant rainfall across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad Capital Territory, and the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ and K), with isolated very heavy falls predicted. This intense weather pattern is likely to cause moderate to high flood levels in rivers, including the Chenab and Kabul, with peak flooding expected between July 4 and July 7.
The NDMA’s latest communiqué highlighted concerns about urban flooding in major cities such as Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Narowal, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar. Additionally, flash flooding and landslides are anticipated in the hilly and mountainous regions of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and AJ and K, exacerbated by the expected hill torrents along the Kirthar and Koh-e-Sulaiman Ranges.
Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) have been directed to enhance early warning systems and response mechanisms in vulnerable areas. The guidance includes ensuring timely evacuation from low-lying regions, public awareness campaigns across all media platforms, and pre-placement of emergency machinery and personnel for rapid response.
Local administrations are tasked with implementing contingency plans for urban centers to manage and mitigate the effects of potential urban flooding, including ensuring effective de-watering operations in flooded areas. The NDMA also stressed the importance of public safety, advising against outdoor activities during thunderstorms and cautioning against sheltering under trees due to the risk of lightning strikes.
The NDMA has made additional resources and guidance available through its website and the “Pak NDMA Alert” app, as part of its effort to safeguard populations and ensure readiness in face of the monsoon challenges ahead.