The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flash flood warning for Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as heavy rainfall is expected across the country from July 18 to 23.
The authority warned that persistent rains could trigger flash floods in vulnerable areas and urged the public as well as relevant institutions to remain on high alert.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), continuous monitoring is underway to assess potential threats, while advance information is being shared with concerned departments to ensure timely preparedness and response.
The NDMA said heavy downpours could lead to flash flooding in local streams, seasonal waterways and mountainous regions. It added that medium to high flood levels are expected in rivers and nullahs across Gilgit-Baltistan.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the authority warned of possible flooding in upper and central districts, particularly in mountain streams and rain-fed channels. In Azad Kashmir, water levels are expected to rise significantly in the Neelum, Jhelum, Poonch and nearby rivers.
The authority has also issued a landslide alert for Azad Jammu and Kashmir from July 19 to 24, warning that continuous rainfall could trigger landslides in Neelum, Haveli, Poonch, Muzaffarabad and Bagh. A moderate risk of landslides also exists in the hilly areas of Kotli, Sudhnoti, Mirpur and Bhimber.
According to the NDMA, landslides along the highways connecting Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kahuta and Bhimber may disrupt traffic. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain cautious while travelling near mountain slopes, riverbanks and other vulnerable locations.
The authority has also warned of potential flooding in Punjab and northeastern Balochistan between July 17 and 23. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods in seasonal rivers, hill torrents and mountainous regions across both provinces.
It said storm drains in Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Murree and Galiyat may overflow, while districts of Zhob, Sherani, Musakhel, Loralai, Harnai, Sibi, Kohlu and Jaffarabad in Balochistan are also likely to be affected.
According to the NDMA, water levels in the Chenab and Ravi rivers, along with their tributaries, are expected to rise. Residents living in low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
The authority further warned of possible urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Sheikhupura. Low-lying areas of Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan and Charsadda may also face inundation.
The NDMA has instructed all relevant agencies to keep rescue teams and emergency machinery ready for immediate deployment. It also advised the public to stay away from flooded roads, storm drains and other hazardous areas.
Citizens have been encouraged to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for official weather updates, alerts and safety guidelines.
