WEBDESK: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a fresh alert for heavy rainfall across Pakistan between 23 and 30 August. The authority has warned of possible floods, landslides, and overflowing streams in several regions.
According to NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), three weather systems are entering the country. These systems are expected to cause heavy rainfall in most areas.
Punjab on High Flood Alert
From 23 to 25 August, Islamabad, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab are likely to experience torrential rains. Urban flooding is feared in low-lying areas.
In Punjab, heavy downpours are expected in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Mianwali, Khushab, and Sargodha. Districts including Sialkot, Gujrat, Hafizabad, and Mandi Bahauddin face risks of flooding. Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, and Narowal may also see waterlogging. Heavy rains are also predicted for Chakwal and Talagang.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Risks Landslides and Floods
In southern Punjab and adjoining areas, hill torrents could cause flooding in Dera Ghazi Khan, Dera Ismail Khan, and Rajanpur.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rains are expected between 23 and 27 August, with streams likely to overflow. Landslides are feared in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, and Mansehra. Other cities, including Batagram, Abbottabad, Malakand, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Tank, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat, are also expected to receive heavy rainfall.
Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan at Flood Risk
In Azad Kashmir, landslides are feared in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and Bagh. Flooding risks remain in Kotli, Haveli, Mirpur, and Bhimber.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, heavy rains are expected from 23 to 27 August. Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer, and Diamer are at risk, while Astore, Ghanche, and Shigar may face road blockages due to landslides.
Karachi, Hyderabad and Interior Sindh Districts to See Heavy Downpours
Sindh’s coastal districts, including Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, and Tharparkar, are expected to receive heavy rains between 27 and 30 August.
Interior Sindh districts, such as Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Nawabshah, Dadu, Khairpur, Sukkur, Ghotki, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore, and Shaheed Benazirabad, are also likely to be affected.
Heavy Rain Expected in Balochistan
In Balochistan, heavy rains are predicted in Lasbela, Khuzdar, and Awaran. Kalat, Gwadar, Turbat, Kech, and Panjgur may see rainfall with strong winds.
Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Loralai, and Barkhan may witness rains between 24–25 and 27–30 August. Musa Khel, Dera Bugti, Kohlu, and Naseerabad are also at risk of flooding.
NDMA warns of rising Indus, Ravi and Chenab water levels
The NDMA has also warned that rising water levels in rivers could worsen the situation. The Indus River may see flows of up to 500,000 cusecs at Taunsa, Guddu, and Kalabagh. Rising water is also expected in the Ravi and Chenab rivers.
Citizens have been advised to stay cautious, avoid unnecessary travel to northern areas, and contact local authorities in case of emergencies.
The NDMA said rescue and relief operations are being closely monitored, and all concerned departments are on alert.
Read more: Pakistan weather update: NDMA, PMD issue alert; Karachi, KP to see more thunderstorms
