Heavy rains may trigger flash floods in northern areas through Sept 30: NDMA
- Urges preparedness and caution in vulnerable regions like AJK, GB, and KP
The NDMA issued an alert for heavy rains and potential flash/urban flooding in upper Pakistan, AJK, GB, and Islamabad from September 25-30, urging preparedness and public caution.
- Specific regions at risk of flash floods.
- Expected heavy rainfall and urban flooding.
- NDMA directives for preparedness and public safety.
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued an alert for heavy rains and potential weather-related hazards in upper parts of the country from September 25 to 30.
According to the NDMA, thunderstorms and rain are expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad, with a risk of flash floods in vulnerable areas.
The NEOC said the intensity of a westerly weather system was expected to increase on September 25 and 26, potentially triggering flash floods in mountainous areas and local streams.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, Astore, Skardu, Roundu, Ghanche and Shigar may face flooding, while Neelum Valley, Haveli, Poonch and Sudhanoti in AJK have also been identified as vulnerable areas.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat, Bajaur, Dir, Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Battagram and Mansehra are among the areas at risk of flooding.
The NDMA said heavy thunderstorms were expected in parts of Potohar, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through September 30, with hailstorms possible at some locations.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree, Galiyat, Mianwali, Khushab, Bhakkar, Layyah, Sialkot, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal and Jhang could experience heavy rainfall, raising the risk of urban flooding.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy rain is also expected in Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Peshawar, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.
The NDMA directed relevant authorities to make advance preparations to deal with possible flooding and other weather-related hazards.
Authorities have been asked to pre-position emergency response teams and necessary resources in potentially affected areas and continuously monitor rainfall and the situation in streams and waterways.
The NDMA also advised the public to avoid crossing streams, mountain torrents and roads submerged by floodwater.