The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reviewed the flood situation across the country and directed all relevant departments to stay on high alert as more rainfall is expected over the next 48 hours on Wednesday.
The review took place during a meeting of the Emergency Response Committee held at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC).
Urban flooding expected in Pakistan
During the briefing, officials said rainfall is expected in the upper parts of the country over the next 48 hours.
They also warned that the rain could increase water levels in rivers and asked all concerned departments to remain alert.
Rain is also expected in parts of Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Sindh.
According to the details, heavy rainfall could lead to urban flooding and cause streams and hill torrents to overflow.
Briefing
The NDMA chairman also briefed participants on the recent visit of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to the National Emergencies Operation Centre.
He shared details about the authority’s preparedness, monitoring system and emergency response plans.
The meeting decided that all provincial governments, district administrations, rescue services and other concerned departments should remain fully prepared.
The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal through a video link. Federal ministers, NDMA Chairman, provincial officials and representatives of relevant departments attended the meeting.
Officials were also directed to strengthen monitoring in vulnerable areas, issue timely warnings, evacuate people from high-risk areas when needed and ensure emergency relief resources are available to deal with any situation.
NDMA warns of rivers levels
Recently, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned that water levels in Pakistan’s major rivers could rise between August 2 and 4 because of heavy monsoon rains. The authority also issued flood alerts for several areas.
The NDMA further advised people to avoid unnecessary travel to these places that are at risk of flooding until the weather gets better.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the Lehri River at Head Gogi is facing high-level flooding. Medium-level flooding has also been reported in Nullah Palkhu at Wazirabad.