Monitorin Desk
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a 72-hour flood alert for parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning of heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides and rapidly rising water levels in rivers and seasonal waterways.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre, strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected across the upper areas of the three regions during the next two to three days.
The authority warned that heavy rainfall could increase water flows in major rivers, streams, nullahs and other seasonal waterways, raising the risk of sudden flooding in vulnerable areas.
Several districts of Gilgit-Baltistan have been identified as particularly vulnerable to flash floods, including Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Astore, Skardu and Shigar, along with adjoining areas.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the vulnerable areas include Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur and Kotli, where heavy rainfall could trigger flooding and other weather-related hazards.
The NDMA has also identified several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as vulnerable to flash floods, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur.
The threat is not limited to mountainous regions. The authority has warned of possible urban flooding in Nowshera, Peshawar, Swabi and Mardan, particularly in low-lying areas and along connecting roads.
The NDMA said water flows in the Indus, Kabul, Swat, Panjkora, Kurram, Tochi, Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers were likely to increase during the next 72 hours.
An increase in water levels has also been forecast at various locations along the Indus, Ravi, Chenab and Kabul rivers, as well as in adjoining streams and nullahs.
The authority warned that intense rainfall could trigger sudden flooding in urban areas, while mountainous regions could face flash floods, landslides and debris flows.
The NDMA has directed relevant departments to remain on high alert and instructed local administrations to take timely precautionary measures in vulnerable areas.
Authorities have also been asked to pre-position necessary resources and maintain arrangements for the safe evacuation of residents in areas facing a potential flood threat.
Particular attention has been drawn to Nullah Lai, where the NDMA warned of possible high water flows following rainfall in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Relevant departments have been directed to remain especially vigilant in low-lying areas.
The authority has urged the public to stay away from low-lying areas, rivers, streams, nullahs and seasonal waterways during severe weather and to avoid unnecessary travel.
Residents, tourists and travellers in flood-prone areas have been advised to keep away from riverbanks and fast-flowing water, as rapidly changing water levels can pose a serious danger.
The NDMA has specifically cautioned citizens against attempting to cross floodwater either on foot or by vehicle, warning that even apparently shallow water can have enough force to sweep away people and vehicles.
Tourists travelling through mountainous areas have also been urged to exercise extreme caution, as water levels in seasonal streams can rise suddenly following heavy rainfall.
The authority advised citizens to monitor the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling and to avoid routes that have been closed by the administration.
With heavy rainfall forecast across vulnerable northern areas, the NDMA has called for heightened vigilance over the next 72 hours, particularly in mountainous, riverine and low-lying areas where sudden flooding and landslides could pose risks to communities and travellers.