NDMA issues nationwide weather alert for July 18-23 amid heavy rain forecast

Islamabad (Web Desk): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of widespread flash floods, urban flooding and landslides across several parts of Pakistan, forecasting hazardous weather conditions from July 18 to 23 in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Islamabad and north-eastern Balochistan.

The warning was issued through the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) on Saturday, with authorities urging the public to limit unnecessary travel and follow all safety precautions during the expected spell of heavy rainfall.

According to the NEOC, the current weather pattern matches its earlier projections, and the situation is being closely observed. The centre said it remains in constant coordination with relevant departments to ensure timely warnings and emergency updates are shared with concerned authorities.

The advisory states that persistent rainfall could lead to flash flooding in mountain valleys, seasonal streams and local waterways. In Gilgit-Baltistan, rivers and streams are expected to experience moderate to high flood levels, increasing the likelihood of flooding in vulnerable areas.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper and central districts are likely to face sudden surges in hill torrents and seasonal water channels, posing a significant threat of flash floods.

Separately, the NDMA has also issued a landslide advisory for Azad Jammu and Kashmir covering the period from July 19 to 24. Ongoing rainfall may trigger landslides in Neelum, Haveli, Poonch, Muzaffarabad and Bagh, while hilly parts of Kotli, Sudhnoti, Mirpur and Bhimber also remain exposed to moderate risk.

The authority cautioned that landslides and falling rocks could block roads and disrupt traffic in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kahuta and Bhimber. It also warned that water levels in the Neelum, Jhelum and Poonch rivers, along with their tributaries, are likely to increase considerably.

In a separate advisory, the NDMA announced flood alerts for Punjab and north-eastern Balochistan from July 17 to 23, warning that heavy downpours could result in flash flooding in seasonal streams and hill torrents across both regions.

Seasonal waterways in Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Murree and Galliyat are expected to witness strong water flows. In Balochistan, the districts of Zhob, Sherani, Musakhel, Loralai, Harnai, Sibi, Kohlu and Jaffarabad have also been identified as areas at risk.

The authority further warned that the Chenab and Ravi rivers, along with their tributaries, may experience rising water levels and advised residents living in low-lying areas to remain alert and prepared.

Urban flooding is also expected between July 18 and 23 in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Sheikhupura because of the forecast of intense rainfall. Low-lying neighbourhoods in Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan and Charsadda could also face inundation.

The NDMA has instructed all relevant departments to keep rescue personnel, emergency machinery and response teams on standby to ensure swift action if the situation deteriorates.

Citizens have been advised to avoid non-essential travel, stay clear of rivers, seasonal streams, flooded roads and unstable mountain slopes, while tourists have been urged to exercise extra caution when visiting landslide-prone areas.

The authority has also encouraged the public to stay informed by using the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App, which provides real-time weather information and official safety advisories.