Islamabad: The National Emergencies Operation Center has issued a warning about potential severe weather conditions, anticipating extremely heavy rainfall across the upper catchments of the Rivers Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej from August 10 to 13, 2024. This could lead to medium to high-level flood flows in these areas, with additional risks of flash flooding and landslides in northern and mountainous regions.

According to Press Information Department, the forecast indicates that water levels in the River Chenab, along with its adjoining nullahs, and the River Ravi are expected to rise significantly during the specified period. The situation could be exacerbated by releases from the Indian side into the River Sutlej. Urban areas, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Peshawar, are also at risk of urban flooding due to the expected heavy rains.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has highlighted particular concern for landslides in the hilly regions of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which could occur within the next 24 to 48 hours. In response, the NDMA has urged the public to remain vigilant, follow local advisories, and use the newly launched Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application for timely updates and guidance.

Areas predicted to experience isolated, very heavy rainfall include Kalat, Zhob, Sibbi, and other parts of Balochistan; and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regions like Dir, Swat, and Mansehra among others. Punjab is also on alert with expected significant rainfall in Murree, Rawalpindi, and other parts.

In addition to the flood risks, higher temperatures combined with rainfall are poised to trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) incidents in vulnerable valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, posing further hazards.