NDMA forecasts heavy rain, potential flooding in KP, GB and AJK

• NDMA says intense rain could trigger sharp rises in rivers.
• Says Bagh, Muzaffarabad and Haveli among vulnerable areas.
• Met Office says urban flooding expected in Peshawar, Mardan.
  

ISLAMABAD: The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecast heavy rain and potential flooding in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) over the next 72 hours.

According to the latest NEOC alert, intense rainfall in the mountainous regions could trigger sharp rises in rivers, streams and seasonal nullahs, while landslides, flash floods and debris flows may pose additional risks in vulnerable areas.

Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Astore, Skardu and Shigar are among the areas facing the possibility of sudden flooding.

In AJK, vulnerable areas include Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur and Kotli.

In KP, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur may also experience sudden flooding following intense rainfall.

The weather system could also trigger urban flooding in Nowshera, Peshawar, Swabi and Mardan, with low-lying areas and connecting roads particularly vulnerable to inundation.

The NEOC has forecast increased flows in the Indus, Kabul, Swat, Panjkora, Kurram, Tochi, Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers during the next 72 hours.

Rising water levels are also expected at several points along major rivers and adjoining streams and nullahs.

In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, rainfall could cause a significant surge in the flow of Nullah Lai, raising the risk of flooding in low-lying localities.

Relevant authorities have been directed to remain vigilant and ensure timely preventive measures.

The NDMA has placed particular emphasis on preparedness in mountainous areas, where monsoon rains can rapidly trigger landslides, debris flows and flash floods.

Local administrations have been instructed to pre-position essential resources in vulnerable locations and keep safe evacuation arrangements ready.

The authority has also advised residents, tourists and travellers in flood-prone areas to stay away from riverbanks, streams, seasonal waterways and other vulnerable locations.

Unnecessary travel should be avoided, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.

The NDMA cautioned the public against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges, nullahs or fast-moving water either on foot or in vehicles.

Even shallow but swift-moving water can be powerful enough to sweep away people and vehicles.

Travellers have been advised to check the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out.

People have also been urged to avoid roads closed by the administration and strictly follow traffic and safety advisories.

The NDMA said it was maintaining continuous coordination with relevant authorities and providing timely information, forecasts and early warnings to facilitate proactive response and minimise the impact of possible flooding.

The public has been advised to monitor official weather updates and district administration instructions and use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for timely alerts.