ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), has issued a weather alert for the period between August 23 and August 30, warning of intense rainfall, potential flash floods, and landslides across various parts of Pakistan due to the entry of three monsoon systems.
According to NEOC, widespread torrential rains are expected across the country under the influence of these systems. Between August 23 and 25, Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab are likely to experience thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds. Urban flooding is feared in low-lying areas, while mountainous regions may face serious risks of landslides.
Punjab:
Severe rainfall is expected in the northeastern districts, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Sialkot, Gujrat, Hafizabad, and Mandi Bahauddin. Cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Narowal, Talagang, and Chakwal may experience urban flooding. There is also a risk of flash floods in hilly streams of Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Dera Ismail Khan.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
Districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Battagram, Abbottabad, Malakand, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Tank, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat are likely to receive heavy rainfall from August 23 to 27. Urban flooding and landslides are anticipated in low-lying and mountainous areas of Swabi, Hazara, and Malakand divisions.
Azad Kashmir:
Heavy rains in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli, Mirpur, and Bhimber could lead to flash floods and landslides.
Gilgit-Baltistan:
Districts including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, and Shigar may witness heavy rainfall from August 23 to 27. Landslides could disrupt transportation and communication infrastructure.
Sindh:
Coastal areas such as Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, and Tharparkar are likely to experience heavy downpours between August 27 and 30. Rainfall is also expected in Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Dadu, Sukkur, Ghotki, Larkana, Shikarpur, Kashmore, and Shaheed Benazirabad.
Balochistan:
Torrential rain and strong winds are forecast in Lasbela, Khuzdar, Awaran, Kalat, Gwadar, Turbat, Kech, and Panjgur. Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Loralai, Barkhan, Musakhel, Dera Bugti, and Kohlu are also expected to receive intermittent rainfall between August 24–25 and August 27–30. Flash flooding is feared in low-lying areas.
River Situation:
With water levels already near maximum capacity in major dams, the flow in the Indus River at Taunsa, Guddu, and Kalabagh may rise to 500,000 cusecs. Water levels in the Ravi and Chenab rivers are also expected to rise due to intense rainfall in adjoining areas.
Public Advisory:
NDMA has urged all citizens to stay vigilant, especially those living in low-lying or vulnerable areas. In case of emergencies, people are advised to immediately contact local authorities and rescue services. Tourists are strongly advised to avoid traveling to northern areas due to the heightened risk of landslides and road blockages.
Rescue and relief operations are underway in vulnerable regions, with NDMA actively coordinating with all relevant departments and authorities. Citizens are strongly encouraged to follow safety precautions and avoid unnecessary travel during this period.
Stay updated with alerts via the NDMA app and follow official instructions to ensure your safety and the safety of your family.
