The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a fresh weather alert, warning of heavy monsoon rains, flash floods and rising river levels across several parts of the country from July 22 to 24.
The authority said the new spell of monsoon rainfall could trigger flooding in rivers, streams and seasonal waterways, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Balochistan.
According to the NDMA, districts in Gilgit-Baltistan, including Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Ghanche and Shigar, are expected to experience a significant rise in water levels in local streams and rivers. Water flows may also increase in Astore, Kharmang and Roundu.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the authority warned of flash floods and heavy runoff in Chitral, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Kohat, Bannu, Hangu, North and South Waziristan, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.
The alert also covers several districts in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, Sudhnoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur, where rivers and streams are expected to swell due to heavy rainfall.
In Punjab, hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur are forecast to experience increased water flows, while parts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Sherani, Musakhel, Loralai, Qila Saifullah, Ziarat, Dukki, Barkhan, Harnai, Sibi, Kachhi, Khuzdar, Lehri and Jhal Magsi, may face flash flooding.
The NDMA said high-level flooding is expected in the Chenab River at Marala, while moderate flooding is forecast in the upper reaches of the Jhelum River and at Mangla.
Water levels are also expected to rise in tributaries of the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers. A low-level flood warning has been issued for the Ravi River at Balloki during the next 24 to 48 hours.
The authority has advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel near rivers, streams and mountainous areas during the heavy rainfall.
Local administrations have been instructed to monitor vulnerable locations, keep emergency response teams on standby, ensure the availability of rescue equipment and clear blocked roads where required.
The NDMA has also urged residents to follow official weather updates and use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for timely information and safety advisories.
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