The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued warnings of potential flash floods and landslides due to ongoing torrential rains across various regions of Pakistan. The current monsoon spell, expected to continue until July 9, 2024, may lead to flash floods in local streams and nullahs in areas such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Narowal, Murree, Galliyat, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Dir, Swat, Kashmir, and the hill torrents of D.G. Khan and Rajanpur. Urban flooding is anticipated in major cities, including Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar.
According to data from the Federal Flood Division, River Kabul is experiencing a medium-level flood with a net water flow of 93,500 cusecs, while other major rivers are expected to maintain normal water flow levels. The NDMA has advised Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and local administrations to closely monitor the situation and implement necessary measures to protect at-risk populations.
Regional Alerts and Preparedness
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has also issued a monsoon alert, warning of potential floods and glacier bursts in eleven districts, including Swat, Chitral Lower, Chitral Upper, Dir Upper, Dir Lower, Charsadda, DI Khan, Nowshera, Tank, and Shangla. The PDMA has instructed all district administrations in the province to remain vigilant. Rising temperatures and melting glaciers could lead to flooding, though the situation is currently normal in all districts.
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To mitigate potential disasters, control rooms will be established in the affected districts. The NDMA has also warned of flash floods and landslides in hilly and mountainous regions of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. Increased temperatures and rains may trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Flooding in vulnerable valleys of KPK and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Government Initiatives and Public Advisory
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is paying a day-long visit to Karachi today to oversee the disaster management measures. The NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has predicted significant rainfall across various regions, including northeastern parts of Punjab, Potohar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, southern Sindh, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The anticipated moderate to heavy rainfall may cause urban flooding and rapid rises in water levels in nullahs, triggering flash flooding in northern Punjab, KPK, and AJ&K.
Extreme rainfall may also lead to additional releases from Indian reservoirs, impacting the Chenab and Sutlej rivers. The NDMA urges all relevant authorities and the public to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impacts of flooding and landslides. Emergency response teams have been alerted, and resources are being mobilized to ensure a swift response to any arising situations.
Public Awareness and Safety Measures
The public is urged to stay informed and adhere to instructions from local authorities. Citizens are encouraged to download the NDMA’s ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’ mobile app for timely disaster alerts, guidelines, and precautionary measures. Tourists are advised to avoid traveling to the affected areas during the forecasted period to ensure their safety.
The NDMA’s proactive approach and coordination with provincial authorities reflect the government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of natural disasters and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens during the monsoon season.