Heavy Rainfall Alert Issued for Islamabad and Punjab, Risk of Flooding Intensifies

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall for Islamabad and several districts of Punjab from September 1 to 3, cautioning about the possibility of worsening flood conditions.

According to the NDMA, continuous downpours in flood-affected areas of Punjab may aggravate the situation, impacting northeastern, central, and southern districts. Areas including Murree, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, and Hafizabad are at high risk of flooding. Heavy rain is also expected to severely affect Chiniot, Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Layyah, and Mianwali.

The alert further states that Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan may also face rain-induced flooding. In upper regions, intense rainfall and strong river flows may lead to flooding at Marala Headworks, posing threats to surrounding low-lying areas.

Residents in vulnerable locations near rivers, streams, and drains have been urged to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel, as sudden increases in water flow could occur. The NDMA has advised citizens to stay away from submerged roads, bridges, and flood-prone zones.

Authorities have been directed to keep dewatering machinery and pumps ready for immediate response. The NDMA emphasized that all relevant institutions are being kept updated about the risks and have been instructed to take precautionary and preparedness measures to safeguard lives and property.