ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of increasing flood risks across several parts of Pakistan as persistent monsoon rains continue to raise water levels in major rivers and seasonal streams.
According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), medium-level flooding has been recorded at multiple locations along the Chenab River, while authorities have also warned of possible flash floods in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Balochistan, and the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Medium-level flooding reported in Chenab River
The NDMA said medium-level flooding has been observed at:
- Khanki
- Qadirabad
- Chiniot Bridge
- Palkhu Nala at Wazirabad
Meanwhile, low-level flooding continues at several locations across Pakistan’s major river system, including:
- Indus River: Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa
- Chenab River: Marala and Trimmu
- Ravi River: Balloki and Sidhnai
- Kabul River: Nowshera
Low flood conditions have also been reported at Nala Aik and Palkhu Nala Cantonment Bridge.
Water levels expected to rise further
The disaster management authority warned that water flows in the Chenab River are expected to increase further during the next 24 hours, particularly at:
- Marala
- Khanki
- Qadirabad
- Chiniot Bridge
Water levels at Trimmu Barrage are also forecast to rise to the medium flood level during the same period.
Flash flood warning for northern regions
The NDMA has cautioned that heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods in:
- Hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan
- Seasonal streams across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Northern areas of Balochistan
The authority also warned that mountainous regions remain vulnerable to landslides, debris flows and sudden flash floods throughout the ongoing monsoon season.
NDMA issues nationwide alert as heavy rains and flood risks loom across Pakistan
Urban flooding risk in Punjab cities
Heavy monsoon rains are also expected to increase the risk of urban flooding in several Punjab cities, including:
- Gujranwala
- Mandi Bahauddin
- Sialkot
- Narowal
- Faisalabad
- Sargodha
- Jhang
- Multan
- Hafizabad
- Lahore
Public advised to avoid flood-hit areas
The NDMA has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-affected regions and advised motorists to check weather updates and road conditions before beginning their journeys.
The authority has directed all relevant departments to maintain continuous monitoring of vulnerable locations, keep emergency response teams on standby and ensure the swift restoration of roads if closures occur.
Residents have also been advised:
- Not to stop near riverbanks, steep slopes or narrow mountain roads prone to landslides.
- Not to cross flooded roads, streams or fast-flowing water on foot or in vehicles.
- To remain alert during periods of heavy rainfall, as even shallow moving water can sweep away people and vehicles.
The NDMA has urged the public to follow official advisories and take precautionary measures as monsoon conditions continue to affect large parts of the country.
