NDMA warns of flash flooding in upper Pakistan over next 48 hours

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday issued an alert warning of possible flash floods in several parts of northern and upper Pakistan over the next 48 hours amid forecasts of rainfall.

According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre, rainfall expected across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and the Potohar region could trigger flash flooding and increase water flows in rivers.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, areas including Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Skardu, Astore and Shigar face a risk of flash flooding.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the vulnerable areas include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Nowshera, Swabi and Mardan.

The NDMA also warned of possible flooding in Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur and Kotli districts of Azad Kashmir.

In the Potohar region, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum may experience flooding, while increased flows in streams and nullahs are also possible.

Several areas of Punjab, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Kasur, Okara, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, Hafizabad and Sargodha, have also been identified as potentially vulnerable.

The authority particularly warned of flooding in low-lying and urban areas of Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and surrounding localities.

The NDMA directed local administrations to pre-position necessary resources in vulnerable areas and ensure arrangements for the safe evacuation of residents, if required.

It advised the public to avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, streams, nullahs and areas with fast-moving water and to follow traffic advisories issued by the authorities.

Residents of flood-prone areas, tourists and travellers were urged to stay away from riverbanks, streams and nullahs.

The NDMA also warned that the risk of landslides, debris flows and flash floods increases in mountainous areas during the monsoon season.

Travellers were advised to check the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out and avoid unnecessary travel if heavy rainfall or other hazards are forecast.

The authority stressed that floodwater or fast-moving water should never be crossed on foot or by vehicle, warning that even seemingly shallow currents can sweep away people and vehicles.

It further advised tourists and visitors to remain vigilant in areas around seasonal streams, where water levels can rise sharply and without warning during monsoon rainfall.

The NDMA urged the public to take precautionary measures, follow instructions issued by relevant authorities and avoid travelling on roads closed for safety reasons.