ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide alert warning of potential floods, flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides in several parts of Pakistan until July 24 due to ongoing monsoon rains.
According to the NDMA, heavy rainfall may trigger a sharp rise in water levels in rivers, local streams, and mountain torrents across the country, posing risks to vulnerable communities.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, districts including Hunza, Shigar, and Ghanche are at risk of flash floods in the Shimshal, Hunza, Chapursan, Kilik, Shigar, Shyok, and Hushe rivers.In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), water levels are expected to increase significantly in the Jhelum, Neelum, Poonch, and Mahl rivers, as well as Betar Nala, Bhimber Nala, the Kanshi River, and tributaries of the Jhelum and Poonch rivers.
The authority also warned of flash flooding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the Chitral, Kabul, Swat, and Panjkora rivers, along with Muqam Nala and Kalpani Nala. Local streams in Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Kohat, Bannu, Karak, Hangu, Lakki Marwat, North and South Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Mansehra, Buner, and Swabi are also vulnerable.
In Punjab, hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan, the Soan River, and the Potohar region could experience flooding, while similar conditions are expected in seasonal streams and rivers across northeastern Balochistan.
The NDMA further warned of high-level flooding in the Chenab River at Marala and the upper reaches of the Jhelum River near Mangla. Water levels may also rise rapidly in the Dora, Dota, Dwara, Bhimber, Halsey, Aik, Palkhu, Bein, Basantar, Deg, and Sukhi streams.
The authority noted that additional water releases from India’s Thein, Pong, and Bhakra dams could further increase flows in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers.
Urban flooding is also likely in several Punjab cities, including Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Khushab, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Chakwal, and Attock.
Separately, the NDMA issued a landslide, rockfall, and debris flow alert for July 21 to 23 in mountainous areas of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan. Vulnerable routes include Zangram–Ayon, Bumburet, Drosh–Lawi, Hindur–Barkulti, Qarghalti, Upper Yasin, Badswat–Ballahans, Puriyan Sar, Shamsabad, Ultar–Shisper, Karimabad–Altit, Hopper Nagar, Rama–Astore, Trishing–Rupal, and the Jaglot–Skardu Road between RD-20 and RD-80.
The NDMA has directed district administrations to closely monitor rivers and streams, pre-position emergency response teams, and implement precautionary measures in flood-prone areas. Relevant agencies have also been instructed to remain on high alert, ensure the swift reopening of blocked roads, and keep emergency teams on standby.
The authority advised the public to avoid crossing rivers, streams, and flood channels during periods of high water flow and refrain from unnecessary travel to mountainous and other high-risk areas. Citizens have also been encouraged to stay updated through the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application.
