NDMA issues nationwide alert for heavy rains and flood risk

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high alert across the country, forecasting heavy monsoon rains from August 23 to August 30.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning for widespread heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms across various regions of the country. Citizens and authorities are advised to remain vigilant due to the risks of flooding, landslides, and GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) events.

In Sindhg rainfall is expected in several areas of Sindh including Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparkar, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, and Nawabshah. Additionally, an alert has been issued for parts of Upper Sindh specifically Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore, and Shaheed Benazirabad due to potential severe weather conditions.

Heavy rainfall is anticipated in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, increasing the risk of flooding. The most affected areas may include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Batagram, Abbottabad, Malakand, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Tank, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat.

Rain is predicted in several parts of Punjab, particularly in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Sialkot, Gujrat, and Hafizabad. These areas should remain alert and take precautions against potential localized flooding.

Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to receive intense rainfall, raising concerns over landslides and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). The areas most at risk include Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, and Shigar.

Heavy rains may affect large parts of Balochistan. The districts at risk include Lasbela, Khuzdar, Awaran, Kalat, Gwadar, Turbat, Kech, Panjgur, Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Loralai, Barkhan, Musa Khel, Dera Bugti, and Kohlu. These areas should be prepared for possible flooding and disruptions.

The advisory highlights the risk of flash floods, urban flooding, landslides, and glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs), particularly in mountainous areas and regions near glaciers.

In response to the forecast, NDMA has directed local authorities to monitor glacier zones, conduct evacuation drills, keep rescue teams ready, stock emergency supplies, and ensure road clearance during floods or landslides. They must also maintain communication systems and activate early warning alerts in high-risk areas.

The NDMA has urged the public to avoid travel near rivers and low-lying areas, follow evacuation plans in flood-prone zones, and for tourists to stay away from glacier sites. An official warned, “This is a serious weather system cooperate with authorities and stay informed.”

There is also a possibility of rising water levels in major rivers. The Indus River at Guddu, Taunsa, and Kalabagh may see an increase in flow, while water discharge is expected to rise in the Ravi and Chenab rivers, increasing flood risks in surrounding areas.