NDMA Issues Rain Alert, Urban Flooding Possible in Karachi

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning regarding potential rainfall across various regions of the country. Karachi is specifically alerted to the possibility of urban flooding between August 30th and September 2nd.

According to the weather forecast, Islamabad is expected to experience thunderstorms and rain from August 29th to September 2nd. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in the northern and northeastern regions of Punjab on August 30th and 31st.

Areas including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Hafizabad, and Mandi Bahauddin are likely to receive rainfall between August 30th and 31st.

Central and southern Punjab could also see rain from August 29th to 31st, raising the risk of inundation in low-lying areas. Rainfall is also anticipated in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan during this time.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is forecast to receive substantial rainfall between August 29th and 31st, with a heightened risk of landslides in the Malakand and Hazara divisions. Rain is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Kohat, and Bannu.

In Azad Kashmir, heavy rainfall is probable in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli, Mirpur, and Bhimber from August 29th to September 2nd. Gilgit-Baltistan may also experience rainfall and landslides between August 29th and 31st, especially in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, and Ghanche.

The NDMA further indicated that Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, and Tharparkar are predicted to receive rainfall from August 30th to September 2nd. Hyderabad, Dadu, Sukkur, Ghotki, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Kashmore might experience heavy rainfall between August 30th and September 1st.

Additionally, rainfall is anticipated in parts of Balochistan, including Gwadar, Kech, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Lasbela, and Kalat, between August 29th and September 1st.

Pakistan has been grappling with intense monsoon rains, resulting in flash floods, swollen rivers, and full dams, with over 800 fatalities reported since late June. Amidst these heavy rains, India discharged surplus water from its dams earlier this week, leading to increased river flows downstream in Punjab.

The NDMA reported that Pakistan evacuated over 210,000 residents in proximity to the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers, which originate from India.

Earlier, officials mentioned that India issued its third flood warning since Sunday, this one concerning the Sutlej, following two prior warnings regarding water entering Pakistan on the Ravi.