Heavy Rains and Flood Warning Issued Across Pakistan as Powerful Weather System Approaches

Islamabad: Pakistan’s disaster management authorities have issued flood and heavy rainfall alerts across several parts of the country as a powerful combination of monsoon currents and western weather systems is expected to trigger widespread downpours from July 20 to 23.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of flash floods, riverine flooding, and urban flooding in multiple regions, while the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued flood warnings for major rivers and adjoining streams from July 20 to 24.

According to the NDMA, heavy rainfall is likely to affect Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and upper Punjab, increasing the risk of flash floods and hill torrents. Authorities have specifically warned of flood surges in the Chenab River at Marala and the upper reaches of the Jhelum River near Mangla.

Several seasonal streams and nullahs in Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, and Muridke are also at risk of overflowing. Hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, as well as rain-fed streams in Murree and Galiyat, have been identified as high-risk areas for flash flooding.

The NDMA further cautioned that water levels in the Kabul River and its tributaries could rise significantly, placing Nowshera and surrounding areas on high alert. Flood risks have also been reported in Panjkora, Swat, and Chitral rivers.

Heavy rainfall is expected in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Malakand, Shangla, Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Haripur. Gilgit-Baltistan’s Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Ghizer, Diamer, Shigar, and Ghanche districts are also under flash flood alert.

Urban flooding is feared in major cities, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, Lahore, and Sheikhupura. Meanwhile, flood risks remain high in rivers and streams flowing through Azad Kashmir and parts of Balochistan, including Barkhan, Loralai, and Zhob.

The NDMA has directed all relevant departments to keep emergency machinery and rescue teams on high alert. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from flooded roads, riverbanks, hill slopes, and landslide-prone areas. The public has also been encouraged to follow official weather and safety updates through the NDMA Disaster Alert App.

Separately, the PDMA Punjab has issued a warning of low to high-level flooding at Marala Headworks on the Chenab River. Flooding is also expected in tributaries connected to the Ravi and Chenab rivers, including the Bein, Basantar, Deg, Aik, Palkhu, Bhimber, Halsey, and Dora nullahs.

Urban flooding alerts have been issued for Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sargodha, Okara, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar, and Rawalpindi divisions. Commissioners, deputy commissioners, WASA authorities, and Rescue 1122 teams have been instructed to complete all precautionary arrangements in advance.

PDMA Director General Umar Abbas Mela has directed local administrations to establish emergency control rooms, ensure adequate fuel supplies for rescue operations, and prepare flood relief camps equipped with food, clean drinking water, and other essential facilities.

The public has been urged to follow safety guidelines and cooperate with authorities in case of emergency evacuations. Citizens can contact the PDMA Punjab helpline at 1129 for assistance during any emergency situation.