Several parts of country: NDMA issues alert over possibility of flooding

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert over the possibility of flooding in several parts of Pakistan, warning that rainfall over the next 48 hours could increase river flows and trigger flooding in vulnerable areas.

According to the alert, Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Punjab, especially the Potohar region, are among the areas facing a potential flood threat.

The NDMA said rainfall in the upper areas could lead to a rise in river flows, increasing the risk of flooding in rivers, streams and canals.

This year, flash floods, mudslides, lightning and other monsoon rain-related incidents have claimed 175 lives across the country, while injuring 500 people. KP remained the most affected flood province with 70 deaths and 96 injuries, followed by Punjab with 61 deaths and 362 injuries, Sindh 17 deaths and 18 injuries, AJK 16 deaths and seven injuries, Balochistan eight deaths and 15 injuries, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) two deaths and two injuries and G-B has reported one death.

The monsoon rains have also caused serious damages to roads, bridges and livestock as a total 1,690 houses are damaged of which 579 fully destroyed and 1,111 partially damaged, 1,1442 livestock perished, weeping away 34.43 kilometres (KMs) of roads and destroying 41 bridges nationwide.

Several districts of G-B have been identified as vulnerable, including Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Skardu, Astore and Shigar. Authorities have been advised to remain vigilant and ensure necessary preparations are in place to respond to any deterioration in the situation.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the alert covers Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Nowshera. The expected rainfall could increase water flows and create flooding risks in low-lying and vulnerable areas.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, potential flooding has been forecast in Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur and Kotli. Local administrations have been directed to closely monitor the situation and remain prepared for emergencies.

The NDMA has also warned of possible flooding in parts of the Potohar region, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum. The alert includes the possibility of flooding in rivers and canals following increased water flows caused by rainfall in upper areas.

Several districts of Punjab have also been identified as vulnerable, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Narowal and Kasur. The warning also covers Okara, Wazirabad, Hafizabad and Sargodha, where authorities have been advised to remain alert to possible flooding.

The NDMA has directed local administrations to ensure that necessary resources and arrangements for safe evacuation are in place.

Authorities have also been urged to closely monitor vulnerable areas and take timely measures to protect communities in case of flooding.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026