Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of potential flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir, while predicting thunderstorms and tropical rains in southern Sindh. According to the NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), a series of monsoonal showers originating from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal is expected to enter upper regions of Pakistan, with rainfall anticipated to commence in various parts of the country over the next 24 hours and likely to persist until July 27.
Southern Sindh, including coastal areas like Karachi, Hyderabad, Omarkot, Mirpur Khas, Nawabshah, Sukkur, Larkana Division, Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta, Sajawal, Islamabad, and surrounding regions, is expected to experience thunderstorms, tropical rains, and gusty winds tonight. Meanwhile, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall in southern Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan and Rohri, as well as in central and northern Punjab, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The NDMA has instructed provincial authorities to take necessary precautions to minimize potential impacts from flash floods and landslides in urban areas and riverbanks. Emergency response teams have been put on alert, and measures are in place to ensure immediate response capabilities in case of emergencies. Citizens are urged to take preventive measures against flash floods and to avoid travel to mountainous areas prone to landslides during adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, precautions are advised to avoid outdoor exposure during thunderstorms and to stay away from electricity poles and wires.
The NDMA has introduced the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” application, available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store, to provide timely alerts, advisories, public awareness messages, and essential information regarding emergencies.