The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an extreme weather alert for several regions of the country, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds from July 19 to 23 as monsoon activity intensifies.
In a statement, the authority said moisture-laden monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are strengthening over upper and central Pakistan, while an approaching western weather system is expected to further intensify rainfall in northern areas.
The NDMA warned that heavy to very heavy rain is likely in parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, areas including Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Mardan, Nowshera and several former tribal districts are also expected to receive heavy rainfall.
Moderate to heavy rain has also been forecast for Gilgit-Baltistan, including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Ghanche and Shigar.
The authority cautioned that intense downpours could lead to urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Peshawar, while Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan and Faisalabad may also face water accumulation and drainage problems between 20 and 23 July.
The NDMA said rising water levels are expected in the Chenab, Jhelum and Kabul rivers, urging communities living near rivers, streams and seasonal waterways to remain vigilant. Flash flooding is also possible in local streams and nullahs across Kashmir, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, northeastern Punjab and parts of Balochistan.
The authority further warned of landslides in mountainous areas, particularly in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree and the Galiyat region, where falling rocks and debris could block roads and disrupt travel between 20 and 25 July.
Tourists planning to visit hilly and recreational areas have been advised to check the weather and road conditions before travelling and to avoid trekking, hiking and camping during periods of heavy rain.
The NDMA also urged the public to avoid crossing flooded roads and submerged bridges, maintain a safe distance from rivers and streams, and follow instructions issued by local administrations and rescue agencies.
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