Islamabad (Web Desk): The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has sounded the alarm over the possibility of flash floods in several parts of the country during the coming 48 hours as widespread rainfall is expected.
The warning covers Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and the Potohar belt, where heavy downpours could cause rivers to swell, trigger urban flooding and send sudden torrents through vulnerable areas, putting local communities as well as tourists and travellers at risk.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, the districts of Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Skardu, Astore and Shigar have been identified as potential flash-flood hotspots following the anticipated rains.
In KP, the threat extends to Chitral, Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Nowshera, Swabi and Mardan.
The NDMA has also listed a number of districts in Azad Jammu and Kashmir as vulnerable, including Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Mirpur and Kotli.
Across the Potohar region, authorities have been cautioned about the possibility of flooding and unusually high water levels in streams and nullahs. Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum are among the areas specifically highlighted in the warning.
Punjab is also facing a potential flooding threat, with Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Kasur, Okara, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, Hafizabad and Sargodha included among the vulnerable districts. Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and other low-lying as well as urban locations could be particularly exposed to flooding, the authority cautioned.
The NDMA has instructed local administrations to move emergency supplies and other essential resources into vulnerable locations beforehand. Officials have also been directed to ensure that arrangements are in place to evacuate people safely if conditions deteriorate.
The public has been told to stay away from flooded streams, roads covered by water and bridges, particularly where currents are strong. Citizens have also been asked to comply with traffic restrictions and directions issued by relevant authorities.
People living in areas vulnerable to flooding, along with tourists and travellers, have been advised to keep away from riverbanks, nullahs and other waterways.
The authority warned that continued monsoon activity could also lead to landslides and debris flows, while mountainous areas face the added danger of sudden flash floods.
Those planning to travel have been urged to check the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before leaving. Unnecessary travel should be avoided whenever authorities issue warnings about intense rainfall or other hazards.
The NDMA stressed that even water that appears relatively shallow can be extremely dangerous if it is moving rapidly. A strong current can knock people down or carry away vehicles, making it unsafe to cross flooded areas either on foot or by vehicle.
Tourists have been asked to take particular care around seasonal streams because their water levels can increase abruptly during monsoon spells.
The authority has further called on citizens to comply with official safety directions and stay off roads that have been closed by local administrations.
The NDMA said it is closely coordinating with relevant government departments and institutions while continuing to issue timely warnings and information regarding possible hazards.
For regular emergency updates, the public has been advised to use the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app.
Citizens requiring help during a flood emergency can contact the authorities by dialing 911.