Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has issued a forecast predicting significant rainfall in multiple regions of Pakistan until July 9, 2024, raising concerns of urban flooding and flash floods.
According to Press Information Department, affected areas include northeastern Punjab, particularly the eastern rivers’ catchment areas, Potohar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), southern Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ and K), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The forecasted moderate to heavy rainfall may lead to urban flooding and cause rapid rises in water levels in nullahs, triggering flash floods in northern Punjab, KPK, and AJ and K. Sutlej and Kabul Rivers are also expected to experience significant rises in water levels, reaching low and medium flood stages respectively.
Extreme rainfall could also prompt additional releases from reservoirs across the border in India, potentially affecting the Chenab and Sutlej rivers. NEOC also warns of potential localized landslides along the Karakoram Highway and in several districts due to persistent rains, which could disrupt transportation and isolate communities.
NDMA has urged authorities and the public to take immediate precautions to mitigate potential damage and has mobilized emergency response teams to address any incidents. The public is advised to stay updated through the ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’ mobile app and to heed local advisories.