AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide alert for a fresh spell of monsoon rains from today to the 5th of next month.
According to Radio Pakistan, intermittent rain, with isolated heavy falls, is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Balochistan, Punjab, and Sindh.
The authority has warned that the rains could significantly increase water flows in major rivers and trigger flash floods in hill torrents, seasonal streams, and urban areas. Medium to high water flows are expected in the River Chenab and its associated nullahs, while medium flows are likely in the upper reaches of the River Jhelum near Mangla Dam.
Low to medium flows are also expected in the Ravi, Kabul, Swat, and Panjkora rivers. Any release of water from Indian reservoirs could aggravate the flood situation in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers.
The authority has warned of flash flooding in rivers, streams, and glacial areas of several districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, while hill torrents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Punjab are also likely to experience a rapid rise in water levels.
Urban flooding is expected in low-lying areas of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Jhelum, Chakwal, Sargodha, Sahiwal, and Sheikhupura, as well as Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda, Mardan, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Thatta, Badin, and several other cities.
The authority has advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone areas, stay away from rivers, streams, and fast-flowing water, and avoid crossing flooded roads or waterways. Citizens are urged to remain updated through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application and follow the instructions of local authorities in case of any emergency.