Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning for anticipated heavy monsoon rains and potential flooding in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from the night of September 2 to September 4, 2024. The NDMA has alerted relevant departments and the public to prepare for increased rainfall that could lead to urban and flash flooding in various districts of the two provinces.
According to Press Information Department, the National Emergencies Operations Center (NEOC) of the NDMA forecasts significant rain-wind/thundershower in most parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab starting from the night of September 2 through September 4. The expected downpour may result in heightened flow in local nullahs and streams in regions including Galliyat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Nowshera, and Swabi on the night of September 2 and continuing into September 3.
The rains are also likely to cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Chakwal, Nowshera, and Peshawar. Additionally, the NDMA anticipates low to medium level flash flooding in the hill torrents of districts such as Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur from the evening of September 2 to September 3, 2024.
In response to these forecasts, the NDMA has issued directives to provincial disaster management authorities (PDMAs) and all relevant departments to alert emergency response teams and mobilize resources for a swift response to any potential emergency situations. Local authorities and rescue services have been advised to remain on high alert. The public is urged to stay vigilant and adhere to instructions provided by local authorities. The NDMA also recommends that residents stay informed through timely alerts, which can be accessed via the ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’ mobile app, and to closely monitor weather reports to stay updated on conditions.