The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert for heavy rainfall and potential flooding in the upper regions of the country from September 25 to September 30, warning of weather-related risks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad.
According to the NDMA, the intensity of the westerly weather system is expected to increase on September 25 and 26, bringing rain accompanied by thunderstorms to upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad.
The authority has warned of a risk of flash floods in mountainous areas and seasonal streams. Flood-like conditions are feared in Astore, Skardu, Roundu, Ghanche and Shigar districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as in Neelum Valley, Haveli, Poonch and Sudhnoti districts of Azad Kashmir. Potential flooding has also been forecast in Swat, Bajaur, Dir, Kohistan, Battagram and Mansehra districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The alert also warns of heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms, with hailstorms possible in some areas of Pothohar, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through September 30. The NDMA has directed the relevant authorities to ensure full preparedness, keep emergency response teams and necessary resources on standby, and continuously monitor rainfall as well as the situation in streams, rivers and other water channels.
Heavy rainfall is expected to trigger urban flooding in several areas, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree, Galiyat, Mianwali, Khushab, Bhakkar, Layyah, Sialkot, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal and Jhang.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy rainfall is also forecast for Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Peshawar, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.
NDMA has directed relevant departments to take precautionary measures against possible flooding and other weather-related hazards. Authorities have also been asked to closely monitor rainfall, streams and other vulnerable areas.
The authority has instructed departments to pre-position emergency response teams and essential resources in potentially affected areas to ensure a swift and timely response in case of emergencies.
The NDMA advised the public to avoid crossing rain-fed streams, mountain torrents and waterlogged roads. Residents of low-lying and other vulnerable areas have been urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures. Citizens have also been advised to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for verified weather updates, information about potential hazards and safety guidelines.