NDMA issues rain, flash flood alert for upper parts of country until Sept 30

ISLAMABAD:The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert for several upper parts of the country, forecasting rain and weather-related hazards from September 25 to 30.

The authority has warned of possible flash floods in mountainous areas and urban flooding in vulnerable districts.

The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) said a westerly weather system is likely to strengthen on September 25 and 26, bringing thunderstorms and rainfall to parts of upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Islamabad.

Heavy rainfall in mountainous regions could lead to sudden flooding, particularly in seasonal streams and nullahs. Authorities have also warned of rapid increases in water levels following intense downpours.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, Astore, Skardu, Roundu, Ghanche and Shigar have been identified as vulnerable areas. In AJK, Neelum Valley, Haveli, Poonch and Sudhanoti could face flooding, while several districts of K-P, including Swat, Bajaur, Lower and Upper Dir, Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Battagram and Mansehra, are also at risk.

The weather system is expected to bring thunderstorms and heavy rain to parts of Potohar, Punjab and K-P through September 30, with hailstorms also possible in some areas. Urban flooding could occur in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree, Galiyat, Mianwali, Khushab, Bhakkar, Layyah, Sialkot, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal and Jhang.

Several districts across K-P are also expected to receive heavy rainfall, including Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Peshawar, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.

The NDMA has instructed provincial departments and local administrations to make advance preparations for possible flooding and other weather emergencies. Emergency teams and essential equipment have been directed to remain ready in areas likely to be affected.

Authorities have also been asked to closely track rainfall, river levels and water flows in streams and nullahs.

The NDMA advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads, seasonal waterways and mountain torrents because rapidly rising water can become dangerous without warning.